The dusky broadbill is a species of bird in the family Eurylaimidae, the broadbills. It is native to Southeast Asia. It may be slowly declining due to habitat loss, especially from logging, but it has a large enough range that it is still considered to be a least-concern species.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill evergreen and mixed forests across Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo. Prefers primary forest but also uses secondary growth, forest edges, and riparian corridors. Often found along streams and swampy patches where overhanging branches provide nesting sites. Forages mainly in the mid to upper canopy, occasionally descending to lower levels in disturbed areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The dusky broadbill is among the largest broadbills, with a massive, laterally flattened bill adapted for snatching prey from foliage. It builds a large, pendulous, pear-shaped nest suspended from branches, often over water, with a side entrance. Pairs or small groups keep in contact with deep, hollow calls and often join mixed-species flocks while foraging.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short direct flights with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups that keep contact with loud calls. Joins mixed-species foraging flocks in the canopy. Builds a large hanging nest over water or in open forest gaps; both sexes participate in nest construction and care. Breeding is monogamous, with a small clutch laid in the enclosed chamber.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include deep, hollow hoots and rolling, bubbling trills, often delivered in a chorus by a pair or group. Also gives harsh chatters and rattling contact calls while foraging.
Plumage
Mostly sooty-brown to blackish with slightly paler underparts and faint buffy edging on some wing coverts; short, square tail.
Diet
Feeds mainly on large insects such as beetles, orthopterans, mantises, and caterpillars, taken by sallying from perches or gleaning from foliage and twigs. Will occasionally take small arthropods and other invertebrates, and supplements the diet with some berries or figs when available. Foraging is deliberate, with short flights between perches to seize prey.
Preferred Environment
Primarily forages in the mid to upper canopy of mature and secondary evergreen forests. Frequently uses forest edges and riparian zones where insect activity is high.
