Hose's broadbill is a species of bird in the family Calyptomenidae. It was described by the British naturalist Richard Bowdler Sharpe in 1892 and is named after the British zoologist Charles Hose, who collected the holotype of the species. It is 19–21 cm (7.5–8.3 in) long, with females weighing 92 g (3.2 oz) on average and males weighing 102–115 g (3.6–4.1 oz). Males are bright green and have conspicuous black spots on the wings, black markings on the head, blue underparts, black flight feathers, and a large green tuft covering most of the bill. Females have smaller forehead tufts, lime-green underparts with sky blue instead of azure blue on the undertail coverts, and lack black markings on the head, except for a black spot in front of the eye.
Region
Borneo (Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia)
Typical Environment
Occurs in submontane to montane evergreen forests across northern and central Borneo, including Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and parts of Kalimantan. It is most often found in mature hill dipterocarp, mossy forest edges, and along ridges and gullies. The species forages primarily in the midstory to lower canopy, frequently near fruiting trees, especially figs. It tolerates light selective logging but is most numerous in intact forest. Local presence often tracks the availability of fruiting trees.
Altitude Range
600–1700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named after British zoologist Charles Hose, this broadbill is endemic to the island of Borneo and was described in 1892 by R. B. Sharpe. Males have a striking green forehead tuft that partially conceals the bill, plus blue underparts and bold black wing spots. It favors mid-elevation forests where fruiting figs are abundant. Its quiet demeanor and canopy habits make it easy to overlook despite its vivid colors.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick, direct dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups in fruiting trees. Courtship involves display of the frontal tuft and soft calls; pairs maintain small territories during breeding. Nests are typically suspended structures of moss and plant fibers attached beneath branches, often overhanging water or open space. Parental care is shared, with provisioning focused on soft fruits for chicks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, low-pitched hoots and mellow whistles, often delivered from within dense foliage. Notes can be spaced and ventriloquial, making the bird difficult to locate. Calls increase around dawn when birds visit fruiting trees.
