The Bornean crested fireback is a medium-sized forest pheasant from Borneo and the Bangka Belitung Islands. It is the type species of the genus Lophura. Prior to 2023, it was referred to as simply the crested fireback as the Malayan crested fireback was lumped with this species, though both have since been split.
Region
Sundaland (Borneo and Bangka–Belitung Islands)
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and hill evergreen rainforests, including dipterocarp and peat-swamp forests. Favors dense understory and bamboo thickets, often near streams and in lightly disturbed secondary growth. Regularly uses forest edges, old skid trails, and fruiting areas on the forest floor. It avoids open agricultural land and heavily degraded habitats, retreating to more intact forest blocks.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Bornean crested fireback is a striking forest pheasant restricted to Borneo and the Bangka–Belitung Islands and is the type species of the genus Lophura. Males show dramatic iridescence and a coppery 'fireback,' while females are cryptically patterned for camouflage on the forest floor. It is threatened by habitat loss and hunting, and conservation status assessments have sharpened following its split from the Malayan crested fireback in recent years.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats followed by a brief glide
Social Behavior
Typically seen in small groups or pairs, with males sometimes accompanying multiple females. Ground-nesting in concealed scrapes lined with leaves; typical clutches are several eggs. Roosts in low trees at night and spends most of the day walking and foraging on the forest floor.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Males give loud, ringing crow-like calls and abrupt cackles, especially at dawn. Alarm calls are harsh and rapid, often triggering immediate retreat into dense cover.
Plumage
Males are glossy bluish-black with strong iridescence and a rich coppery to rufous lower back ('fireback'), plus elongated black crest feathers. Females are brown to rufous-brown with fine mottling and barring, providing excellent camouflage. Tail in males is long with contrasting darker central feathers and paler tips; females have shorter, barred tails.
Diet
Omnivorous, taking fallen fruits and seeds, tender shoots, and a wide variety of invertebrates such as beetles, termites, ants, and snails. Scratches through leaf litter to uncover food and will opportunistically take small vertebrates if encountered. Frequently follows fruiting trees and forages along trails where food is more accessible.
Preferred Environment
Primarily feeds on the shaded forest floor, along stream margins, and at forest edges. Uses old logging roads and clearings early and late in the day when disturbance is minimal.
