Bornean Treepie

Overview

The Bornean treepie (Dendrocitta cinerascens) is a passerine bird belonging to the crow family, Corvidae. It is endemic to the island of Borneo and is sometimes treated as a subspecies of the Sumatran treepie.

Identification

• Size: A fairly large bird measuring approximately 40 cm in length, featuring a long graduated tail, broad rounded wings, and short, weak legs.
• Plumage: Underparts and head are pinkish-brown with a pale silver crown; the back is greyish with a pale rump, while wings are black with a white patch and the tail is grey with black-tipped feathers.
• Markings: Features a dark stripe over the eye and across the forehead, with reddish eyes and grey-black bill and legs.
• Vocalisations: A noisy bird producing loud, explosive calls including a bell-like whistle, various grunts, and chatters, capable of mimicking other birds.

Habitat

Found in forest, forest edge, bamboo thickets, scrubland, and occasionally cultivated areas across the northern and central mountain ranges of Borneo. It mainly occurs between 300 and 2,800 metres above sea level, being most common in valleys and foothills at the lower end of that range.

Diet

Forages in the tree canopy alone or in small groups for small fruit, seeds, and large insects such as beetles and cockroaches. It can become tame and will visit villages to feed on scraps.

Did you know?

This species is known for its ability to mimic the calls of other birds. Despite its wild origins, it can become surprisingly tame, visiting human settlements to scavenge for food.