The grey-lored broadbill is a species of bird in the broadbill family, Eurylaimidae. It is found in Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, and Myanmar. It was previously also found in Nepal, but is now likely extinct there.
Region
Eastern Himalayas and Northeast India–Myanmar region
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid evergreen and moist deciduous hill forests, forest edges, and secondary growth with tall trees. Often favors ravines and riparian corridors with dense midstory and bamboo. Forages from the lower to mid canopy and along shaded forest trails. Historically recorded from Nepal but likely extirpated there; currently found in Bhutan, NE India, Bangladesh (northeast), and western Myanmar.
Altitude Range
200–2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The grey-lored broadbill is a compact, canopy-dwelling bird of humid hill forests in the eastern Himalayas and adjoining regions. It was formerly treated as a form of the Silver-breasted Broadbill but is now widely recognized as a separate species, distinguished by its grey lores and other subtle plumage features. It builds elaborate, hanging purse-shaped nests suspended from branches, often over streams for protection.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief undulating glides
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family parties and often joins mixed-species flocks in the mid-canopy. Builds an elongated, hanging nest from rootlets, fibers, and moss, usually suspended over water for predator deterrence. Both sexes participate in nest building and often in provisioning the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice is a series of thin, high-pitched whistles and soft trills, often given in duets. Calls include soft contact notes exchanged while foraging in the canopy.
Plumage
Compact broadbill with a blackish cap and mask, contrasting grey lores, chestnut mantle and rump, silvery-white underparts, and blue-toned wing panels. A fine dark band can show across the upper breast, with neat, clean feathering and a slightly glossy head. The tail is relatively short with subtle darker tips.
Diet
Primarily hunts insects and other small arthropods, taken by sallying from perches or gleaning from foliage. Will occasionally snatch prey in short aerial sorties and probe clusters of leaves and epiphytes. Small fruits and berries are taken opportunistically, especially outside the breeding season.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the shaded midstory and lower canopy of humid hill forests, along forest edges, and near streams. Often exploits vine tangles, bamboo clumps, and mixed-species foraging flocks to locate prey.
