The black-throated wren-babbler is a species of bird in the family Pellorneidae. It is endemic to the island of Borneo.
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
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
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.
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.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with subtle mottling, paler buffy underparts with fine barring on the flanks, and a distinctive dark throat patch. Feathers appear soft and loose, aiding a camouflaged, mottled look in leaf litter.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small invertebrates such as insects, spiders, and other arthropods gleaned from leaf litter and low vegetation. It probes among dead leaves, mossy logs, and root tangles to extract hidden prey. Occasionally hawks short distances to snatch disturbed insects.
Preferred Environment
Forages on or just above the forest floor, especially in shaded ravines, along stream banks, and in dense vine tangles. Prefers intact understory with deep leaf litter and abundant cover.
