Most beautiful small birds - Sykalo Eugen 2024

Silver-breasted Broadbill (Serilophus lunatus)

Identification:

• Species name: Silver-breasted Broadbill
• Scientific name: Serilophus lunatus
• Family: Eurylaimidae (Broadbills)
• Order: Coraciiformes (Rollers and Kingfishers)
• Subclass: Neornithes (Modern birds)
• Class: Aves (Birds)

Description:

• Size: Medium-sized broadbill, about 16-17 cm (6.3-6.7 in) long with a wingspan of 25-30 cm (9.8-11.8 in).
• Body shape: Compact and robust, with a thick neck, a broad, flattened beak, and a short, square tail.
• Plumage color:

Males: Silvery-gray underparts and head, contrasting with their rusty brown upperparts and bold black stripe over the eye.

Females: Duller overall than males, with less extensive silver and more streaking on the underparts.

Broad, flattened beak, black.

Strong, dark gray legs.

Large, ruby-red eyes.

Behavior:

• Method of feeding: Primarily eats insects and other small invertebrates, sallying out from perches to catch prey mid-air. May also glean insects from leaves and branches.
• Reproduction: Builds cup-shaped nests in tree cavities or on branches. Lays 2-3 glossy white eggs. Both parents care for the young.
• Movement: Resident in most of its range, with some local movements in response to food availability.
• Communication: Loud, high-pitched calls and a variety of short whistles and gurgling sounds. Males have a complex song used to defend territory and attract mates.

Ecology:

• Habitat: Tropical and subtropical rainforests, often near streams and other water sources. Prefers tall trees with dense foliage.
• Diet: Insects, spiders, worms, snails, lizards, small frogs, and fruits.
• Hunting methods: Perches and scans for prey, then darts out with lightning speed to catch them in its broad, flattened beak. May also hover near leaves to snatch insects or glean them from branches.

Distribution: Found in Southeast Asia, from India and Myanmar to the Malay Peninsula and Borneo.

The Silver-breasted Broadbill, a feathered flash of emerald and silver painting the tropical forests, might seem like a simple resident of dense foliage at first glance. But beneath its vibrant plumage and seemingly comical beak, lies a treasure trove of surprising facts and adaptations that will transform this forest sprite into a captivating aerial acrobat, hidden feast master, and unexpected social swinger in your eyes.

Masters of the Canopy Ballet: Forget clumsy hops; Silver-breasted Broadbills reign supreme in the domain of sun-dappled leaves and towering branches. Their powerful wings and surprisingly acrobatic skills propel them through the air with breathtaking agility, looping and diving like feathered trapeze artists on miniature windsurfers. Imagine them as canopy ballet dancers in synchronized aerial performances, painting fleeting emerald and silver patterns across the azure canvas.

Hidden Feasting Technique: Don't underestimate their dietary flexibility! While insects are a staple, Silver-breasted Broadbills are opportunistic omnivores, readily adapting their menu to seasonal bounty. From juicy fruits and tender shoots to small reptiles and even the occasional amphibian, their varied appetite keeps them fueled for energetic foraging sessions. Think of them as feathered forest gourmands with built-in miniature buffets hidden within the green labyrinth.

Singing with Feathery Flair: Their calls aren't just simple chirps. Silver-breasted Broadbills possess a rich and distinctive repertoire, with clear, whistling songs, intricate trills, and even a signature "ping-ping" duet call that echoes melodically through the canopy. Their voices rise above the forest like feathered woodwind players, serenading the sun-dappled leaves with their playful spirit and vibrant partnership.

Unexpected Social Swingers: They're not always solitary singers. During breeding seasons and foraging adventures, Silver-breasted Broadbills form loose and boisterous flocks, flitting through the foliage in flashes of emerald and silver. These feathered skydivers, in playful mid-air chases and synchronized dives, paint fleeting patterns of turquoise and green across the forest canopy.

Champions of Ecosystem Health: They're not just colorful residents. Silver-breasted Broadbills play a vital role in the health of tropical ecosystems. Their insect feasting controls pest populations, while their droppings fertilize the soil, making them feathered forest doctors with built-in miniature pest-control systems and environmental beautification kits.

Cultural Charmers: Across Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, the Silver-breasted Broadbill has held diverse cultural significance. In some regions, its vibrant plumage inspires admiration for its beauty and liveliness. In others, its comical beak is seen as a symbol of good luck and laughter.

Unexpected Regional Variations: Did you know? Not all Silver-breasted Broadbills are the same! Different populations across their vast range show subtle variations in plumage color and call patterns, adding a touch of feathered diversity to this adaptable species.