Step into the extraordinary world of the Black-and-Red Broadbill (Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos), a bird species that exudes unmistakable beauty with its mesmerizing plumage. Residing majestically within its habitat, this striking avian dons midnight black feathers adorned with long white slashes on each wing, fiery-red underparts, and a black chiństrap.
The Black-and-Red Broadbill belongs to the Eurylaimidae family and is a large broadbill, boasting distinctive plumage that sets it apart from any other species within its range. The average adult measures around 21–24 cm (8.3–9.4 inches) in length, with wing lengths of 9.7–10.8 cm (3.8–4.3 inches), and weighs between 51–65 grams (1.8–2.3 ounces). The adult birds display blackheads and breastbands, greenish-black upperparts, complemented by a maroon half-collar and bright maroon rumps and uppertail coverts. The scapulars showcase pure white edges, forming a striking white line on the closed wing. Adding to its allure, the wingbed features a slender orange line. The tail, predominantly black, may exhibit varying amounts of white. The bill is dichromatic, featuring a bright turquoise-blue maxilla, and a yellow-orange mandible with a blue tip and edges. The irises shine with a brilliant emerald green.
Juveniles, on the other hand, possess much duller plumage with sooty brown upperparts, maroon patches on the rump and uppertail coverts, brown underparts, and wings. They also exhibit blackish to brownish-blue bills and bronze irises.
Black-and-Red Broadbills are found in Borneo, Myanmar, southern Thailand, southern Laos, southern Vietnam, peninsular Malaysia, and Sumatra in Indonesia. These captivating birds prefer tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests, as well as tropical and subtropical mangrove forests, always in close proximity to water.
Their diet primarily consists of insects, but they also indulge in mollusks, crabs, and small fish. During the breeding season, which occurs from March through June, both male and female actively participate in building the nest. The nest is a bulky, untidy ball, suspended from the tip of a dead branch or stick, approximately 1-2 meters above the water’s surface. The female lays 2-3 eggs within, and both parents share the responsibility of incubating them for 21 days. After hatching, the chicks are diligently cared for by both parents until they fledge, which typically occurs 17 days later.
The Black-and-Red Broadbill, though considered uncommon to locally common across its vast breeding range, is assessed as of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, preserving the habitats and ecosystems it calls home is crucial to ensure the continued splendor of this magnificent bird for generations to come. As we embark on this journey into the vibrant world of the Black-and-Red Broadbill, let us celebrate and cherish the unparalleled beauty that nature has bestowed upon us.
