Posts belonging to Category Borneo Endemics

White-fronted Falconet

white-fronted-falconet by Ck Leong

The falconets are the smallest raptors in the world.  There are 2 species in Borneo, the endemic White-fronted Falconet Microhierax latifrons found in the northern region (mainly Sabah) and the Black-thighed Falconet M. fringillarius which resides south of Sabah.  These birds like to perch on dead branches from where they would take off to hunt prey which are mainly larger insects and small birds.

Bornean Swiftlet

Bornean Swiftlet by Ck Leong

The Bornean Swiftlet Collocalia dodgei is found in the mountains of Borneo.   It is not uncommon for it to live together with the more common and very similar Glossy Swiftlet.  The Glossy is found in a wide variety of habitat from coastal to montane forest.  In flight both species show its white belly but the Bornean has a dark green sheen to its upper feathers while the Glossy display a dark blue gloss.

Blue-headed Pitta

Blue-headed Pitta male

Blue-headed Pitta male

Here’s one of my all time favorites, the Blue-headed Pitta Hydrornis baudii.  This Bornean endemic is locally common in lowland primary forest but is constantly threatened by habitat loss.  Its behavior is similar to that of other pittas as is its feeding habit.

Maratua Bulbul

Maratua Bulbul


Maratua Island, off the coast of East Kalimantan is better known for its diving and stingless jellyfish.  For the more intrepid birder however, this is a very worthwhile destination.  While the island has a short resident bird list, it has 2 new Bornean endemics, recently split from their mainland counterparts (Sheldon & Chua, 2013).  The Maratua Bulbul above, split from the Black-headed Bulbul, is found throughout the island.  The other bird is the Maratua Shama, already facing uncertainties due to trapping.

Bornean Bristlehead

Bornean Bristlehead by Ck Leong


If you are looking for a face for Borneo birding, the Bornean Bristlehead must be it.  This is the only member of the family Pityriaseidae and the genus Pityriasis.  This uncommon bird of the lowland and peatswamp forest finds itself pasted on posters and publications.  Not surprisingly then, it is on the wanted list of most visiting birders to Borneo.  The lucky get to see it moving nosily through the forest canopy, usually in groups of 5 to 8 birds.  What joy!

If you are at the British Bird Fair this weekend, look for this bird at Marquee No. 1.