The Bornean peacock-pheasant is a medium-sized pheasant. It is probably the rarest and certainly the least known of all peacock-pheasants. This elusive bird is endemic to lowland forests of Borneo.
Region
Borneo
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in the island’s remaining primary lowland dipterocarp and peat-swamp forests, especially in areas with dense understory and deep leaf litter. It keeps close to the forest floor and often near quiet stream courses and swampy thickets. The species avoids heavily disturbed habitats and is rarely found in logged or agricultural landscapes. Habitat loss from deforestation and oil palm conversion has fragmented its range, isolating subpopulations. Records come from multiple parts of Borneo, but it is scarce across its range.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Bornean peacock-pheasant is among the rarest and least-studied peacock-pheasants and was famously rediscovered after decades with few confirmed records. Males perform elaborate ground displays, fanning their tail to show shimmering eye-spots (ocelli). It is highly sensitive to the loss of primary lowland rainforest and is threatened by forest fragmentation and snaring. Its secretive, terrestrial habits make it difficult to detect, even where it persists.
Bornean peacock-pheasant in display mode
Bornean peacock-pheasant Female Sabah Malaysia (Borneo)
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; low, explosive flushes followed by running
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs; males defend small territories on the forest floor. Ground nester, placing a simple leaf-lined nest in dense cover. Courtship involves fanning the tail to display the ocelli, body bowing, and wing-flicking. Clutch sizes are small and parental care is discreet to avoid predators.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, low whistles and mellow cooing notes that carry poorly through dense forest. Males may add rapid wing-whirring sounds during display. Calls are infrequent, contributing to the species’ elusiveness.
