The Bornean stubtail is a species of bird in the cettiid warbler family Cettiidae. It is endemic to the island of Borneo, where it inhabits forest floors and undergrowth in montane forests at elevations of 750–3,150 m (2,460–10,330 ft). It is a small, short-tailed warbler, measuring 9.5–10 cm (3.7–3.9 in) in length and having an average mass of 10.4 g (0.37 oz). The tops of the head and the upperparts are brown, with whitish underparts that turn grey at the sides of the breast and the flanks. The supercilium is long and buffish-brown, with an equally long dark grey eyestripe and a thin yellow eye-ring. Both sexes are similar.
Region
Borneo
Typical Environment
Found throughout suitable montane forest on the island of Borneo, including Sabah and Sarawak (Malaysia), Brunei, and Kalimantan (Indonesia). It favors dense, mossy undergrowth, forest floors, and ferny banks along trails and stream edges. The species keeps close to the ground, moving through thickets, bamboo clumps, and secondary montane growth. It is typically associated with humid, mature hill and montane forests and forest edges.
Altitude Range
750–3150 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny, short-tailed cettiid warbler, the Bornean stubtail is a ground-hugging skulk of Borneo’s mossy montane forests. It forages mostly in leaf litter and dense undergrowth, flicking its stubby tail as it moves. Its high, thin song can be surprisingly penetrating despite the bird’s small size. Both sexes look alike, which makes behavior and voice especially helpful for identification.
A Bornean stubtail in Kinabalu Park
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats low through understory
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs while foraging near the ground, occasionally joining mixed-species flocks in the undergrowth. Nests are placed low, often domed and concealed in banks or dense vegetation. Pairs defend small territories during the breeding season and remain inconspicuous outside of vocal bouts.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a high-pitched, thin series of rapid notes and trills delivered from low perches within dense cover. Calls include sharp, high seeps and short ticking notes, often given while foraging.
