The wattled broadbill or Mindanao broadbill is a species of bird in the family Eurylaimidae where it was previously conspecific to the Visayan broadbill. It is endemic to the islands of Mindanao, Basilan, Dinagat and Siargao in the Philippines. It is one of the most striking birds in the country with its sky-blue wattle and bill and yellow wing patch. Its natural habitats are tropical moist lowland forest and occasionally tropical mangrove forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Southern Philippines
Typical Environment
Occurs on Mindanao, Basilan, Dinagat, and Siargao, where it inhabits primary and mature secondary lowland rainforest. It favors dense understory and mid-story strata near streams and forest edges but avoids heavily degraded habitats. The species can occur in riverine and mangrove-associated forest when canopy cover remains intact. Territories are small, and the bird often remains within shaded interior forest. It is highly localized and patchy due to extensive deforestation.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the Mindanao broadbill, this species was formerly lumped with the Visayan broadbill but is now recognized as distinct. Its sky-blue facial wattles and bill make it one of the most striking Philippine birds. It builds a suspended, purse-shaped nest often hung over streams. Highly sensitive to forest disturbance, it persists best in intact lowland rainforest.
An illustration by John Gould
Temperament
shy and retiring
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick dashes through dense understory
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, sometimes accompanying mixed-species flocks in the mid-story. Pairs maintain small territories and communicate with soft calls. The nest is a hanging, purse-shaped structure suspended from a branch, often over water; both parents participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of soft, mellow whistles and piping notes, often delivered from concealed perches. Calls may include frog-like croaks and brief trills, carrying poorly in dense forest but repeated at intervals.
Plumage
Compact, broad-headed broadbill with glossy black upperparts, a rufous collar, and clean whitish underparts crossed by a dark breast band in males. Shows a conspicuous yellow wing patch and short tail. Feathers appear smooth and satiny, with neat contrast between dark upperparts and pale underparts.
Diet
Primarily takes insects such as beetles, orthopterans, caterpillars, and spiders, gleaned from foliage or snatched in short sallies. It occasionally hawks flying insects in small bursts. Small fruits may be taken opportunistically, but animal prey dominates the diet.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in shaded mid-story and lower canopy of intact lowland forest, especially along streams and forest trails. Often forages from still perches, making short flights to seize prey on leaves and branches.
