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Overview
Black-throated wren-babbler

Black-throated wren-babbler

Wikipedia

The black-throated wren-babbler is a species of bird in the family Pellorneidae. It is endemic to the island of Borneo.

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Distribution

Region

Borneo

Typical Environment

Endemic to the island of Borneo, occurring in Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, Brunei, and Indonesian Kalimantan. It inhabits dense undergrowth of lowland and hill evergreen forests, especially along ravines, stream edges, and thickets. The species favors shaded leaf-litter and tangled vegetation where it can skulk and forage near the ground. It uses both primary forest and well-developed secondary growth but avoids open or heavily disturbed areas.

Altitude Range

unknown

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size14–16 cm
Wing Span18–22 cm
Male Weight0.025 kg
Female Weight0.024 kg
Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

A shy, ground-loving understorey bird, it is far more often heard than seen, with pairs giving responsive duets. Because it depends on dense, intact forest, it is sensitive to habitat degradation and fragmentation. Its presence can be an indicator of healthy lowland to hill dipterocarp forest on Borneo.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

shy and skulking

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually encountered singly, in pairs, or small family groups in dense undergrowth. Likely monogamous, with both adults contributing to care of young. Nests are placed low in vegetation or close to the ground and are well concealed.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Rich, clear whistles delivered in short phrases, often as a responsive duet between pair members. Calls include soft churrs and sharp notes given from low perches inside thickets.

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