Green Broadbill – Calyptomena viridis

The green broadbill lives in the canopy rainforests of Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo and Sumatra.

This species of passerine spends much of its life in search of fruit. It stands at the top of the trees, where it is difficult to spot among the leaves. The male is bright and iridescent, the female is a duller green and often larger.

The nest is made of coarse vegetable fibers, felted and suspended fine twigs above the ground. The summit, wider than the bottom, has an opening. Laying 2 eggs wich are incubated by both parents.

As the name suggests it has a fully emerald green plumage, marked with black dots on the wings and neck. The female is slightly dull and does not have black spots on the neck. This is a small bird measuring about 19 cm, stout and plump body, short tail and a large head adorned above the wide and short beak with a dense tuft of short feathers hiding it partially.

It moves in small groups in the canopy, sometimes with other birds in search of food, which consists of figs and other soft fruits, buds and insects. It can be polygamous. Both parents prepare a very special pear-shaped nest usually suspended above the water.