The mountain wren-babbler is a species of bird in the family Pellorneidae. It is native to the Iran Mountains of northeastern Borneo. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Borneo (northeastern)
Typical Environment
Occurs in the upland and montane forests of northeastern Borneo, especially in the Crocker Range and nearby massifs including the Iran Mountains. Prefers dense, humid understory with abundant moss, ferns, and bamboo tangles. Often found along shaded streams, ravines, and on steep slopes with fallen logs. It tolerates lightly logged forest but is most numerous in mature evergreen forest.
Altitude Range
300–2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The mountain wren-babbler is a secretive understory bird of Borneo’s upland forests, often detected by its rich, whistled duets before it is seen. It forages near the ground on mossy logs and in leaf litter, using a stout bill to probe for invertebrates. Pairs or family groups keep close contact with soft calls and rarely venture into open areas.
Temperament
skulking and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats close to the ground
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family parties moving through dense understory. Nests are typically domed or ball-like structures placed low in shrubs or banks. It keeps to shaded cover and may occasionally join mixed-species flocks at lower levels.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of rich, clear whistles often given antiphonally by a pair. Calls include soft chips and trills used to maintain contact in thick vegetation.