The maroon-breasted philentoma is a bird species. They are now usually assigned to the Vangidae. It is found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Thailand. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical swamps.
Region
Sundaland and adjacent mainland Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in Brunei, Indonesia (Borneo and Sumatra), Malaysia (Peninsular and Borneo), Myanmar, Singapore, and southern Thailand. Favors lowland evergreen rainforests, peat and freshwater swamp forests, and mature secondary forest with a closed canopy. Typically keeps to the lower to midstory, using shaded interior forest and edges along streams. It is generally local where suitable forest remains and becomes scarce in heavily logged or fragmented landscapes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Now generally placed in the Vangidae after formerly being grouped with monarch flycatchers, the maroon-breasted philentoma is a quiet, midstory insect-hunter of Southeast Asian forests. It often joins mixed-species flocks and uses a sit-and-sally strategy from shaded perches. The species is sensitive to extensive forest degradation and is more frequent in primary or well-structured secondary forest.
Temperament
quiet, shy, and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks in the forest midstory. Breeding pairs are presumed monogamous and likely share nesting duties; nests are cup-like and placed low to mid-height in vegetation. Territorial calling is most frequent at dawn.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft, whistled series delivered from a concealed perch, interspersed with gentle notes. Calls include quiet chips and a subdued, scolding chatter when disturbed.
