The Bornean green magpie is a passerine bird in the crow family, Corvidae. It is endemic to montane forests on the southeast Asian island of Borneo. It was formerly included as a subspecies of the Javan green magpie, but under the common name Short-tailed Green Magpie. Uniquely among the green magpies, the Bornean green magpie has whitish eyes.
Region
Borneo, Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in the montane evergreen and mossy forests of Borneo, including parts of Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and northern Kalimantan. It favors dense midstory and edges along ridges, ravines, and stream corridors. The species uses secondary montane growth where canopy cover and understory complexity remain high. Often forages in the mid-canopy but descends to lower levels at forest edges and along trails.
Altitude Range
800–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to the montane forests of Borneo, this striking corvid was once treated as a subspecies of the Javan green magpie. It is unique among green magpies in having pale whitish eyes. Like other green magpies, its vivid green color depends on dietary pigments and can shift toward bluish in captivity if carotenoids are lacking. It is a furtive forest bird but gives loud, scolding calls that reveal its presence.
Temperament
secretive yet active
Flight Pattern
short, rapid wingbeats with swift dashes through forest
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups moving through mid-level forest strata. Nests are cup-shaped structures placed in dense foliage. Both partners likely share nesting duties, and fledglings may accompany adults for some time after leaving the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp, scolding chatter and harsh jay-like calls, along with whistles and mewing notes. Calls carry well through dense vegetation and are often the first sign of the bird’s presence.
