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.
