Whitehead's Broadbill Calyptomena whiteheadi Scientific name definitions

24–27 cm; male 142–171 g, female 150–163 g. The largest green broadbill, with obvious black markings. Male  has vivid green plumage, with forehead tuft almost hiding bill; some black on crown, prominent black spot  behind ear-coverts and another on nape, extensive black on wings  and mantle; flight-feathers and tail blackish, secondaries edged green; large, bold black patch on lower throat and centre of upper breast, green below with prominent black streaking ; iris dark brown; bill black, paler lower mandible; legs and feet olive to green-grey. Distinguished from other Calyptomena by much larger size, black throat patch, more extensive black markings on wings and body. Female  slightly smaller than male, feather tuft less pronounced, lacks black head spots, underparts duller green with no black markings other than throat patch. Immature similar to adult, but fewer black markings.

N & C Borneo, probably along entire spinal range from Mt Kinabalu S at least to Kayan Mentarang and Mt Batu Timbang (1 Mann, C. F. (2008). The Birds of Borneo. An Annotated Checklist. B.O.U. Checklist 23. British Ornithologists’ Union and British Ornithologists’ Club, Peterborough, UK. Close ), although absent from several mountain areas.

Montane forest, also forest edge; preference for tall growth, and not found in areas of stunted forest. At 900–1700 m, but can occur as low as 600 m and as high as c. 1980 m.

Normally resident. During severe drought conditions of 1997/98, one bird seen in forest at elevation of c. 75 m at Maau, on R Bengalun (E Kalimantan), far from mountains. Otherwise, probably some local movement dependent on seasonality of fruiting trees.

Mostly fruits, some insects. Fruits vary in size from small berries up to drupes larger than plums, and recorded as taking the strong-smelling fruits of Litsea cubica (Lauraceae); fruits up to 15 × 20 mm in size found in stomachs. Most items swallowed whole, and even large seeds are regurgitated whole. Insects recorded in one stomach, and observed taking moths at dawn from around lights in Mount Kinabalu National Park. Forages usually singly, but occasionally in small, noisy groups at fruiting trees; sometimes perches on tree trunks when feeding. Occasionally joins mixed-species foraging flocks.

Snoring, grinding or wheezing disyllabic calls characteristic, e.g. “toc-trrrr”  with second syllable a grinding noise, coarse, harsh, rather abrupt “kerrrrrr” or “kh-khrrrrrr” repeated by group of 3–4 perched males, also as “chek, rrrrt-rrrrt” and “teek-waaaaarrr”; also staccato “eek-eek-eek” reminiscent of woodpecker (Picidae) and hissing “ee-ooo”, possibly as alarm calls; also short, very harsh, woodpecker-like “tzip” directly followed by coarse rattle 2–3 seconds long, and in flight an interposed rapid phrase of harsh notes very like those of a woodpecker; also hollow, deep search call like that of a trogon (Trogonidae), “go-up”, imitation of which attracts bird. Other calls include shrill “saaat”, loud harsh call like that of jay (Corvidae), snore-like wheeze, and other hissing and grinding noises.

Few records; breeding season probably at least Mar–Jun. One nest  described, suspended from slender branch c. 15 m above ground, exterior built of fresh green moss, solid interior lined with dry bamboo leaves and forming well-sheltered pocket, and with long “tail” of moss and lichen giving camouflage effect against the numerous streamers of moss and lichen hanging from adjacent branches. Clutch 1–2 eggs, based on three nests; no information on incubation and fledging , or on roles of sexes.

Not globally threatened. Restricted-range species: present in Bornean Mountains EBA. Relatively common in suitable habitat, which remains extensive at its preferred altitudinal range. Occurs in Gunung Mulu and Mount Kinabalu  National Parks. Poorly known; research required, especially on its breeding behaviour and biology.