The Bornean leafbird, also known as the Kinabalu leafbird, is a species of bird in the family Chloropseidae. It is found in humid forest in Borneo, to which it is endemic. It has traditionally been considered a subspecies of the blue-winged leafbird, but differ in measurements and morphology, the female Bornean leafbird having a distinctive male-like plumage. The distribution of the two are known to approach each other, but there is no evidence of intergradation.
Region
Borneo, Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid evergreen and montane forests across Borneo, including Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and parts of Kalimantan. It favors mid-elevation to high-elevation slopes, forest edges, and mature secondary growth with abundant fruiting and flowering trees. The species often forages in the canopy but will descend to the mid-story where resources are plentiful. It can persist in selectively logged forests if fruiting and nectar sources remain, but is most common in intact mossy forest.
Altitude Range
900–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the Kinabalu leafbird, it is confined to the island of Borneo and frequents montane forests. It was long treated as a subspecies of the blue-winged leafbird, but differs notably in measurements and in the female’s striking, male-like plumage. Leafbirds often incorporate mimicry into their vocal repertoire.
Temperament
active and canopy-dwelling
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick, undulating dashes between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and often joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Pairs defend small territories around rich fruiting or flowering trees during the breeding season. Nesting is in foliage-cloaked branches where a small cup nest is concealed.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich series of clear whistles, twitters, and mellow notes, often delivered from the canopy. Incorporates mimicry of other forest birds and varies in pace and pitch depending on context.
Plumage
Bright leaf-green body with contrasting blue highlights on the wings and tail; feathers are sleek and glossy. Males show a dark mask and throat with a blue moustachial streak; females in this species are unusually male-like compared with related leafbirds. Underparts can show a faint yellowish wash, and flight feathers are darker with bluish edging.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of small fruits and berries, nectar from flowering trees, and arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. It gleans insects from leaves and twigs and occasionally sallies to catch flying prey. Flowering trees are visited frequently, where it probes and laps nectar.
Preferred Environment
Primarily forages in the forest canopy and upper mid-story, especially at fruiting figs and nectar-rich blossoms. Also uses forest edges, ridgelines, and mature secondary growth near primary forest.
