Within Malaysia, not many birds are as endearing as the broadbills. These amazing birds are colourful, cartoonish and cute, while their gregarious nature means they often occur in raucous flocks. Moreover, many are quite tame in behaviour, meaning that they’re relatively easy to see and photograph. Unsurprising then, that the broadbills of Malaysia are a favourite subject amongst birdwatchers and photographers alike.
Broadbills of Malaysia
But what are the broadbills of Malaysia? Most experienced local birders are already familiar with this group of birds; however, newcomers and overseas visitors may not be. Thus, this article aims to present a general overview of all the broadbill species found in Malaysia. Each entry includes at least one photo of the species*, followed by a short description of the bird and where to see them in Malaysia. All the photos used are taken by me within Malaysia.
*except the Hose’s Broadbill.
What are Broadbills?
Firstly, an introduction to this fascinating group of birds. All broadbills belong to the perching bird order, Passeriformes. Within this order, they are most closely related to the Asities from Madagascar, the Sapayoa from tropical Americas, and the Pittas. These birds are united in that their vocal organs, the syrinx, are simple in structure unlike the ones found in the songbirds.
Taxonomically, the broadbills are divided into two families:
- Typical broadbills (family Eurylamidae) – 10 species globally. This family is mostly distributed throughout tropical Asia with 1 species in Africa.
- Green broadbills (family Calyptomenidae) – 6 species globally. This family is split equally between Southeast Asia (3 species) and Africa (3 species).
Broadbills are so-named because of their broad-based bill, which is quite evident when viewed head-on or from the top/bottom. On the green broadbills, this feature isn’t as obvious since it is usually covered by a tuft of feathers.
Broadbills are generally gregarious birds that display interesting breeding behaviours. They build their globular nests in such a way that it appears as a clump of plant debris. These nests are usually built dangling over inaccessible places, as a method to dissuade predators.
All broadbills in Malaysia are forest-dwellers, with some preferring lowland forests while others are exclusively highland inhabitants.
How many species in Malaysia?
Malaysia has exceptional broadbill diversity, as there are nine (9) species residing within the country. Compared to other Southeast Asian countries (all info from the Avibase checklist of the respective countries):
- Thailand – 7 species
- Vietnam – 5 species
- Indonesia – 9 species
- Philippines – 2 endemic species
- Singapore – 2 species that only occur as very rare/accidental visitors.
- Cambodia – 5 species
Typical broadbills of Malaysia (family Eurylamidae)
Malaysia has 6 species, one of which is absent from Borneo.
These birds are mostly carnivorous, feeding primarily on insects and other small arthropods. They are quite social birds, often occuring in small to medium-sized flocks.
1) Black-and-Yellow Broadbill (Eurylaimus ochromalus)
We start with possibly the most common of the broadbills of Malaysia. Even so, this species is always a delight to see thanks to its attractive plumage and clownish appearance. Their song is loud and highly distinctive – once learned, never forgotten.
Widespread throughout the lowland forests of Malaysia, where they typically live in the forest canopy. Nevertheless, they often descend lower while foraging and they can be rather tame and inquisitive. Consequently, the Black-and-Yellow Broadbill is one of the easiest broadbills of Malaysia to encounter.
Look for them at any lowland forest locations throughout the country. An excellent place to see them is at Sepilok RDC, where they can be observed and photographed at eye level from the canopy walkway.
2) Banded Broadbill (Eurylaimus javanicus)
Close relative of, and superficially similar to the previous species. Even so, they’re easy to tell apart since the Banded Broadbill has a purplish head and is noticeably larger. Their vocalisations are also different, as the Banded Broadbill has an introductory ‘wheeeooo’ at the start of their song.
Not as common as the previous species, but still frequently encountered. Shares the same habitat as the Black-and-Yellow, and are sometimes found within the same area. Tends to stick to the canopy, so they’re more likely heard than seen. Good places include Panti Bird Sanctuary, Taman Negara Kuala Tahan and Sepilok RDC. Additionally, this species occasionally occurs at lower montane elevations, such as Fraser’s Hill.
3) Black-and-Red Broadbill (Cymbirhynchus macrorhyncos)
This broadbill is dressed in handsome black and red, except for their bills which are blue and yellow. While their appearance is undoubtedly appealing, their calls are anything but. Indeed, they sound more like hoarse duck quacks than anything else!
They’re commonly found in lowland forest near water such as rivers, lakes, and swamps, where they inhabit the middle and lower levels. They usually build their nests dangling over the water, as protection from predators. From my experience, they tend to be rather skittish, and usually flee if approached too closely.
Good locations to see them include the Kinabatangan River and Taman Negara Kuala Tahan. Nearer to Kuala Lumpur, they may be seen at Sungai Congkak, Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam and the Kepong Botanical Gardens.
4) Silver-breasted Broadbill (Serilophus lunatus)
One word aptly describes this delightful species: exquisite. While their plumage isn’t as bright as some, they have a delicate appearance to them that is very eye-catching. Consequently, they’re one of the most desirable of the broadbills of Malaysia.
Not as common as the previous species, but not rare either. They typically inhabit submontane and hill slope forests, usually near rivers or streams. Search for them at Fraser’s Hill, Sungai Congkak and Bukit Tinggi. They will sometimes nest in heavily trafficked areas, such as the carpark at Sungai Congkak.
This species is absent from Borneo.
5) Long-tailed Broadbill (Psarisomus dalhousiae)
Colourful and cartoonish-looking, this broadbill is one of the most appealing and sought-after birds in Malaysia. As its name suggests, this is the only broadbill in Malaysia with a long tail. The head pattern makes the bird look like it has massive sideburns, earning it the nickname ‘Elvis bird’!
Within Malaysia, this bird is a highland specialist, only found in forests above 800m. One of the best places to see this delightful species is Fraser’s Hill, where they’re reasonably common. In Malaysian Borneo, they can be seen at locations such as Trusmadi, Crocker Range Park and the lower slopes of Mount Kinabalu.
6) Dusky Broadbill (Corydon sumatranus)
The largest and least colourful of the broadbills of Malaysia, yet attractive in its own right. Dark greyish-brown overall, with a pink bill and pale ‘bib’. The Dusky Broadbill is a gregarious species that is known to engage in cooperative breeding, a rare behaviour amongst birds.
An uncommon species. Typically found in lowland rainforests, but sometimes occurs in lower montane elevations as well, such as Fraser’s Hill. Good places to see them include Taman Negara Kuala Tahan, Panti Bird Sanctuary and Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Closer to Kuala Lumpur, they may occasionally be seen at Sungai Congkak and Talang.
Green broadbills of Malaysia (family Calyptomenidae)
Malaysia has all 3 asian species, and two of these only occur on Borneo.
True to their name, these broadbills are mostly green. They all have a tuft of feathers on their forehead, obscuring most of their bill. Unlike the typical broadbills, these birds are primarily frugivorous (fruit-eaters). They are also less social, usually occuring singly or in pairs.
1) Green Broadbill (Calyptomena viridis)
Brightly plumaged, but usually difficult to see since they blend in perfectly with their jungle home. Often, their weird bubbling call is the only indication of their presence. From my experience, they tend to be easier to encounter during the breeding season, when they’re more vocal and thus easier to pinpoint.
Widespread throughout lowland rainforests of Malaysia, where they’re reasonably common. Taman Negara (Kuala Tahan & Merapoh) and Lenggor Forest Reserve are some of the locations where they’re reliably seen.
2) Whitehead’s Broadbill (Calyptomena whiteheadi)
A magnificent bird that resembles a super-sized version of the Green Broadbill. This Bornean endemic is only found within the forested highlands of north-central Borneo. Has been known to descend to lower altitudes, especially during prolonged droughts.
Most birders head to Kinabalu Park HQ to see them, where they’re probably one of the easier members of the fabled ‘Whitehead’s Trio’ to see. Here, they often perch and nest right by the roadside, and occasionally even join ‘bird waves’.
3) Hose’s Broadbill (Calyptomena hosii)
We end this article with what is undoubtedly the rarest of the broadbills of Malaysia. The Hose’s Broadbill is similar to the Green Broadbill but has a blue belly and differently patterned upperwings with black spots instead of bars.
Endemic to Borneo, this enigmatic broadbill typically inhabits lower montane and submontane locations, but has been known to descend to lowland forests in search for food. Possible locations to search for this elusive bird include Paya Maga and Ba’kelalan in Sarawak, and Poring in Sabah.
The Birdwatching Asia team has yet to encounter this species in Malaysia.
Conclusion
Broadbills are some of the most fascinating members of the avian world, and Malaysia is truly blessed to have nine species occurring within the country. Most of them are decked in bright, gaudy plumage and are some of the most colourful birds of Southeast Asia. Moreover, they are often tame and inquisitive, allowing good views and easy photography opportunities.
While some are hard to find, the majority are reasonably common and reliably seen during birding trips to the Malaysian jungles. Indeed, at some hotspots, birders are likely to see multiple species within the same birding session!
In short, the broadbills of Malaysia are an endearing group of birds that are well worth looking out for.
References
Phillipps, Q. & Phillipps, K. (2014). Phillips’ Field Guide To The Birds of Borneo. Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan (Third edition). John Beaufoy Publishing, Oxford, England.
Puan, C.L., Davison, G. & Lim, K.C. (2020). Birds of Malaysia. Covering Peninsular Malaysia, Malaysian Borneo and Singapore. Lynx and BirdLife International Field Guides. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona.
Robson, C. (2005). New Holland Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia (Concise Edition). New Holland Publishers, London, England.
Li-Li Wong (2024). Cooperative Nesting Behaviour of the Dusky Broadbill – Brood Helpers. Malaysian Bird Report. Volume 2/2024, June 2024: pg. 21-24
BirdLife International (2025) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org 04/08/2025