Notes on nesting, territoriality and behaviour of broadbills (Eurylaimidae, Calyptomenidae) and pitas (Pitidae) in Tawau Hills Park, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo

Abstract

Basic natural history and behavioural data are lacking for the majority of broadbills and pitas (Eurylaimidae, Calyptomenidae and Pitidae). We present a series of observations on these birds made during two visits to Tawau Hills Park, Sabah, Malaysia. During this period, we detected changes in temporal presence, detectability or vocal behaviour in various species. We also found habitat overlap on one ridgeline among four species of pita. We observed a Green Broadbill Calyptomena viridis respond to our imitation of a call with a wing display. We discuss the social behaviour of Black-and-yellow Eurylaimus ochromalus and Banded Broadbills E. javanicus, including wing displays, territoriality, and in the first-named species, social groups comprising multiple adults. We also describe various nesting behaviours in these two species, including nest-construction techniques, incubation behaviour, nest defence, and the first described Banded Broadbill nest on Borneo. We found Dusky Broadbills Corydon sumatranus to frequently be the most conspicuous members of mixed-species flocks otherwise dominated by Cuculidae and Picidae. We analysed Black-crowned Pita Erythropita ussheri home range size and density in a colour-banded population, and found a potential hybrid or backcross with Garnet Pita E. granatina. We observed that Blue-banded Pita E. arquata make non-vocal sonations by striking their closed wings on their flanks, and discuss the immature male plumage of Blue-headed Pita Hydrornis baudii.