The Bornean barbet is a species of bird in the Megalaimidae family. It is found in Indonesia and Malaysia where it is endemic to the island of Borneo. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Borneo
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout the island of Borneo, including Malaysian states Sabah and Sarawak, Brunei, and Indonesian Kalimantan. It occupies primary and secondary lowland dipterocarp forest, hill forest, and lower montane evergreen forest. The species also forages along forest edges, in disturbed forest, and around fruiting trees in clearings. It is most frequently encountered in the mid to upper canopy and around fig trees.
Altitude Range
0–1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This barbet is endemic to the island of Borneo and is most often detected by its loud, repetitive calls from the canopy. It plays an important role as a seed disperser by swallowing fruits whole and passing seeds intact. Like other barbets, it excavates its own nest cavity in dead or decaying wood. It is generally inconspicuous despite its bright head pattern, staying high in the foliage.
Temperament
shy and canopy-dwelling
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small family groups. Territorial pairs excavate nest holes in dead or decaying trunks and larger branches; both sexes share excavation and incubation duties. Clutch size is small, and nesting sites are reused or re-excavated in suitable wood.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice is a loud, hollow, repetitive series of notes, often rendered as tuk-tuk-tuk, delivered at even intervals. Pairs may duet from concealed perches high in the canopy, and calls can carry over long distances in forest.
