The Sunda scimitar babbler is a species of bird in the family Timaliidae. It is endemic to Sumatra, Borneo, and Malaysia. The Sunda scimitar babbler and the Javan scimitar babbler were previously grouped together as the chestnut-backed scimitar babbler. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Sundaland
Typical Environment
Found in the Malay Peninsula (notably Peninsular Malaysia), Sumatra, and Borneo. It inhabits primary and secondary evergreen rainforests with dense understory, as well as forest edges and bamboo or rattan thickets. The species is most common in lowlands and foothills but can occur into montane forest where suitable cover exists. It tolerates some disturbance if understory remains intact.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A skulking understory specialist, the Sunda scimitar babbler is more often heard than seen, delivering rich, fluty whistles that carry through dense forest. It typically forages in pairs or family groups and often joins mixed-species flocks. Forest loss in Sundaland affects its lowland habitats, though it can persist in selectively logged forest with thick undergrowth.
Temperament
skulking and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups moving through dense understory and vine tangles. Frequently associates with mixed-species flocks while foraging. Nests are typically well-hidden low in vegetation; pairs maintain territories with persistent vocal duets.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, clear series of fluty whistles, often given antiphonally by pairs. Calls include sharp tchik notes and ringing, accelerating phrases that carry far in forest.
