“The Dusky Broadbill (Corydon sumatranus) has previously been described as having an ‘ungainly appearance’ (Lekagul & Round, 1991: 220 – bird no. 428). Such an impression would most certainly have stemmed from the bird’s seemingly oversized beak. Indeed, this bird truly looks comical yet adorable, especially when admired face to face (above).
“On the sunny afternoon of 22nd March 2014, we had the opportunity to observe a pair at Fraser’s Hill, Peninsular Malaysia. They had been participating in a leisurely bird ‘wave’ and resting briefly in the shade of the forest (above).
“When the birds had eaten their fill, one of them decided to perch on an exposed branch high up in the canopy, soaking up the sun, watching the clouds drift by, enjoying the gentle breeze and listening to the symphony of cicadas (above).
“Despite its seemingly short neck and cumbersome beak, the Dusky Broadbill demonstrated that it had no problems with flexibility when it comes to preening itself (above, below…).
“It was clearly able to reach the feathers on its back, breast and belly easily (…and below).
Dr. Leong Tzi Ming & Dr. Vilma D’Rozario
Singapore
1st April 2014
Reference:
Lekagul, B. & P. D. Round, 1991. A Guide to the Birds of Thailand. Saha Karn Bhaet Co. Ltd., Bangkok. 457 pp.
