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Broadbills and their diet

on 11th October 2009

Broadbills (Family: Eurylaimidae) are generally insectivorous and carnivorous. Their broad, hook-tipped bill and wide gape are well adapted for such a diet. A few species take fruit and other plant matter as a supplement. However, green broadbills of the genus Calyptomena are specialist frugivores, as seen in the reduced bill size. During breeding periods when there is a demand for a protein-rich diet, they take insects.

Much of their food records come from the study of stomach contents and field observations. Insects taken include grasshoppers, beetles, butterflies and moths as well as their eggs and larvae. In addition, small invertebrates like spiders, millipedes, snails and small crustaceans have also been reported. They also take small vertebrates like small tree frogs and lizards, and even a small fish has been reported.

Myron Tay’s image shows a Long-tailed Broadbill (Psarisomus dalhousiae) eating a centipede (top). The Black-and-yellow Broadbill (Eurylaimus ochromalus) eating a caterpillar (above left) is by Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HHS shows

Our earlier posts include a Black-and-yellow Broadbill taking a caterpillar and a Silver-breasted Broadbill (Serilophus lunatus) swallowing a cicada.

Reference:
Bruce, M. D. (2003). Family Eurylaimidae (broadbills). In: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. & Christie, D. A. eds. Handbook of the birds of the world. Vol. 8. Broadbills to Tapaculos. Lynx Editions, Barcelona. Pp.54-93.

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

Other posts by YC Wee

2 Responses

  1. Just curious, does that mean during non-breeding periods…. green broadbills will not take insects even if they are readily available?

  2. Being specialist frugivores, Calyptomena generally take fruits. I am sure they also take insects if the opportunity arises.

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