Dusky Broadbill can be found in lowland and
submontane forest of Malaysia
They are the largest Broadbills upto 10.8 in (27.5 cm) in length. Most species have an exceptionally wide bill and gape. The dusky broadbill (Corydon sumatranus) beats all records among the passerines with a pink, hooked bill that is as wide as it is long. It even surpasses the skull in width. The more frugivorous Calyptomena and Pseudocalyptomena have a much narrower bill, but have retained a wide gape.
In terms of plumage coloration, the broadbills are a diverse group. Apart from a few dull-colored species, most broadbills are quite colorful, spanning the range from blue to red. Some species also have an area of bare skin around the eyes that is blue in the two Philippine Eurylaimus and pink in the dusky broadbill. Whereas the two sexes look alike in some species, more or less subtle difference can be found in others. Sexual dimorphism is most obvious in Calyptomena. Here the males are more intensely colored and the loral feathers form a forward facing tuft that covers the base of the bill, resembling a small crest.
This species is well known for its cooperative breeding behaviour. As many as 20 birds have been known to help in the building of the nest. Whether they also assist in incubation, brooding and other aspects of the breeding cycle have yet to be documented.
During breeding season if Mar-July a huge nest is suspended from the hooked end of a rattan’s frond. Made up of twigs, pieces of roots, dried leaves and masses of the epiphytic fern dragon’s tail (Pyrrosia piloselloides) unique to theirs only, the surface is embellished with spider’s silk and caterpillar excreta.The nest is suspended over an open forest clearing, pool or river, safe from most predators. The thorny suspensor discourages predators from moving in from above. The messy nest looks like a bunch of dried leaves and twigs that does not generally attraction attention.
They are the largest Broadbills upto 10.8 in (27.5 cm) in length. Most species have an exceptionally wide bill and gape. The dusky broadbill (Corydon sumatranus) beats all records among the passerines with a pink, hooked bill that is as wide as it is long. It even surpasses the skull in width. The more frugivorous Calyptomena and Pseudocalyptomena have a much narrower bill, but have retained a wide gape.
In terms of plumage coloration, the broadbills are a diverse group. Apart from a few dull-colored species, most broadbills are quite colorful, spanning the range from blue to red. Some species also have an area of bare skin around the eyes that is blue in the two Philippine Eurylaimus and pink in the dusky broadbill. Whereas the two sexes look alike in some species, more or less subtle difference can be found in others. Sexual dimorphism is most obvious in Calyptomena. Here the males are more intensely colored and the loral feathers form a forward facing tuft that covers the base of the bill, resembling a small crest.
This species is well known for its cooperative breeding behaviour. As many as 20 birds have been known to help in the building of the nest. Whether they also assist in incubation, brooding and other aspects of the breeding cycle have yet to be documented.
During breeding season if Mar-July a huge nest is suspended from the hooked end of a rattan’s frond. Made up of twigs, pieces of roots, dried leaves and masses of the epiphytic fern dragon’s tail (Pyrrosia piloselloides) unique to theirs only, the surface is embellished with spider’s silk and caterpillar excreta.The nest is suspended over an open forest clearing, pool or river, safe from most predators. The thorny suspensor discourages predators from moving in from above. The messy nest looks like a bunch of dried leaves and twigs that does not generally attraction attention.
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