The bold-striped tit-babbler is a species of Old World babbler found in Southeast Asia.
Region
Borneo (Sundaland)
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout the lowlands of Borneo, including Malaysian Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak), Brunei, and Indonesian Kalimantan. Favors dense understory in lowland evergreen and mixed dipterocarp forests, peat swamp margins, and riverine thickets. Common along forest edges, overgrown clearings, bamboo, and secondary scrub. Frequently forages within 0–5 m of the ground in tangled vegetation. Tolerates moderately disturbed habitats provided there is sufficient cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The bold-striped tit-babbler is a skulking understory insect-hunter that is far more often heard than seen. It shows heavier and broader ventral streaking than the similar pin-striped tit-babbler, a key field mark on Borneo. Pairs often duet and keep close contact with soft chatters while moving through dense thickets. It adapts well to secondary growth and forest edges, which helps keep populations stable.
Temperament
skulking but social
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically moves in pairs or small family groups and may join mixed-species flocks in the understory. Nests low in dense vegetation, building a domed or deep cup of leaves and fibers. Both parents incubate and feed the young, maintaining close vocal contact while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A lively series of chattering notes and ringing whistles, often delivered as coordinated duets between pair members. Contact calls are sharp chips and scolds that carry through dense thickets.
