The Bornean banded pitta is a species of bird in the family Pittidae. It is found only in Borneo. It was formerly considered conspecific with the Javan and Malayan banded pittas. Together, they were referenced as the banded pitta.
Region
Borneo
Typical Environment
Occurs across the island of Borneo in Indonesia (Kalimantan), Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), and Brunei. It favors primary and well-structured secondary lowland and hill dipterocarp forests with dense understory. Often found along shaded gullies, near streams, and among buttress roots where leaf litter accumulates. The species can persist in selectively logged forest but generally declines with heavy fragmentation and understory loss.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A striking ground-dwelling pitta, it is found only on the island of Borneo, where it inhabits dense lowland and hill rainforests. Formerly lumped with the Javan and Malayan banded pittas, it was split based on differences in plumage and vocalizations. It is shy and often detected by its clear, whistled calls rather than seen. The species is sensitive to forest disturbance and fragmentation.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, brief flights
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining territories on the forest floor. Breeding pairs construct a domed nest of leaves, roots, and fibers low to the ground or on a bank. Both sexes likely participate in care of the young. Courtship involves soft calls and short display movements in dense cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, sweet series of whistled notes, often given in repeated phrases from a concealed perch. Calls carry well through dense forest and may accelerate slightly or rise in pitch. Alarm notes are sharper and more clipped.
