The Bornean black-capped babbler is a species of bird in the family Pellorneidae. It is found on Borneo. This species, the Javan black-capped babbler and the Malayan black-capped babbler were formerly considered conspecific, but were split from it in 2021. Together they were called the black-capped babbler. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest.
Region
Borneo (Sundaland)
Typical Environment
Endemic to the island of Borneo, occurring in Brunei, Malaysian Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak), and Indonesian Kalimantan. It inhabits primary and mature secondary lowland evergreen forest, peat-swamp forest, and dense riparian thickets. Prefers shaded, humid understory with abundant leaf litter and tangled vegetation. Often keeps close to the ground along forest trails and stream edges, avoiding open areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy, ground-loving babbler that skulks through dense understory and leaf litter, often heard before it is seen. It was recently split from the wider black-capped babbler complex in 2021, recognizing the Bornean population as a distinct species. Its clear, whistled phrases carry through lowland forests of Borneo. Habitat loss from deforestation is the main threat it faces.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; low, reluctant flights between cover
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups, moving quietly along the forest floor. Pairs are territorial and communicate with soft contact calls and duets. Nests are typically low or on the ground, concealed in dense vegetation; both parents participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, fluty whistles delivered in measured phrases, often repeated from a concealed perch near the ground. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes used to keep in touch while foraging.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with rufous tones, contrasting black cap and face, and a pale throat grading to rich rufous or buffy underparts. Feathers are soft and sleek, aiding a smooth, skulking appearance in dense cover.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects and other small arthropods such as beetles, ants, termites, spiders, and larvae. It occasionally takes small snails or other invertebrates. Foraging involves probing and flicking through leaf litter and gleaning from low vegetation. It may join mixed-species ground-foraging flocks but is more often seen alone or in pairs.
Preferred Environment
Dense, shaded understory with deep leaf litter, fallen logs, and tangled roots along streams and forest trails. Most activity occurs on or just above the ground where cover is thick.
