Temminck's babbler is a species of bird in the family Pellorneidae. It is found in Borneo and Java. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest.
Region
Greater Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs in the lowland and foothill forests of Borneo and Java, favoring primary and mature secondary dipterocarp forest. It frequents dense understory, vine tangles, bamboo, and rattan thickets, often near streams and along shaded trails. The species is typically near the ground, moving through leaf-litter and low shrubs. It also persists in selectively logged forest and older secondary growth provided sufficient undergrowth remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named after the Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck, this shy understory babbler is more often heard than seen. It keeps to dense thickets and leaf-litter where it forages quietly, sometimes responding to soft pishing. Pairs often duet, and their clear whistles carry through lowland forest. As an insect hunter, it helps control leaf-litter arthropods.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the ground
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family parties within dense understory. Territorial pairs vocalize with responsive duets. Nests are placed low, often near the ground, formed from leaves and rootlets as a cup or small dome; both sexes likely share nesting duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, mellow whistles, often delivered as short, repeated phrases. Pairs may engage in antiphonal duets, giving a conversational quality. Calls include soft chips and thin, penetrating notes from cover.
Plumage
Warm rufous-brown upperparts with paler, buffy underparts and a slightly grayer-brown crown. The face shows rich rufous ear-coverts and lores contrasting with a paler throat; underparts washed buff to rufous. Feathers are soft and plain without bold patterning, adapted for a skulking understory lifestyle.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaf-litter, fallen logs, and low vegetation. It picks prey deliberately and may flick leaves aside to expose hidden invertebrates. Occasionally takes small spiders and larvae, and may supplement with tiny fruits when available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on or near the forest floor within dense tangles, thickets, and along shaded stream edges. Often forages along quiet trails and at the bases of saplings and buttresses where leaf-litter accumulates.
