The Bornean treepie is a passerine bird belonging to the treepies genus, Dendrocitta, of in the crow family, Corvidae. It is endemic to the island of Borneo. It is sometimes treated as a subspecies of the Sumatran treepie.
Region
Borneo, Maritime Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout much of Borneo in suitable wooded habitats, including lowland and hill evergreen forest, forest edges, secondary growth, and disturbed or logged forest with remnant canopy. It often uses bamboo thickets, forest clearings, and ridgelines, and may visit gardens near forest margins. The species forages mainly in the mid-story to canopy, occasionally descending to the understory or ground to pick prey. It is generally tolerant of some habitat modification provided trees and fruiting resources remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Bornean treepie is a corvid found only on the island of Borneo, where it frequents forest edges and mid-canopy. It is closely related to the Sumatran treepie and has sometimes been treated as part of the same species complex. Like many corvids, it is intelligent, opportunistic, and has a varied, adaptable diet. Its loud, chattering calls often reveal mixed feeding parties moving through the forest.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with short rapid wingbeats and gliding interludes
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups, and frequently joins mixed-species flocks moving through the canopy. Builds a neat open cup nest high in trees; both sexes likely participate in nest defense. Clutch size is small, and adults are vigilant around potential nest predators. Outside breeding, groups roam widely along forest edges and clearings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocal repertoire includes harsh chatters, ringing chimes, and scolding rattles, often delivered in fast sequences. Calls carry through the forest and are used to keep contact within groups. Occasional softer whistles and mimicry-like notes may be heard during foraging.
Plumage
Sleek, long-tailed treepie with smooth, satiny plumage; body mostly warm gray-brown with darker wings and long, graduated tail showing pale tips. Contrasting white patches in the wings are conspicuous in flight. The face shows a darker mask and lores against a paler head and underparts.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore taking large insects and other arthropods, including beetles, cicadas, and caterpillars. Also consumes fruits and berries, especially figs and other seasonally abundant resources. Will raid nests for eggs or nestlings and may take small reptiles or amphibians when encountered. Occasionally gleans nectar or sips from overripe fruits.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in mid-story and canopy, working along branches, foliage clusters, and epiphyte tangles. Frequently visits forest edges, gaps, and secondary growth where insect prey and fruiting plants are abundant. Sometimes descends to the ground at edges or along tracks to seize fallen fruit or invertebrates.
