Silver-breasted Broadbill

Alternative names: Collared Broadbill; Gould's Broadbill; Hodgson's Broadbill; Red-backed Broadbill

Identification

Broad black supercillium, greyish white crown, light blue bill and narrow lemon yellow orbital skin diagnostic. Upper parts greyish brown with chestnut rump; underparts greyish white, wings black with blue patch, tail black with white outer tail feathers. Female (in picture) has a narrow silvery white breast band. Note: claws appear silvery-white too. (check other pictures in Gallery.)
The different subspecies differ in head coloration (eg rufous in lunatus), wing pattern and tone of upper- and underparts.

Habitat

Forest and forest edges.
Occurs usually at 300 - 900m, locally lower or higher.

Behaviour

Feeds primarily on insects.
Frequents the canopy and middle story. Usually solitary or in pairs but may sometimes gather in small parties. Generally unobtrusive, sitting quietly on a high perch. Shy bird.
Breeding season differs through range. The nest is a pendant ball with a long tail made of coarse grass, weeds, thin twigs, fine roots and other vegetable matter. A pair has sometimes helpers. Usually lays 4 - 5 eggs.
A resident species. Some altitudinal migration recorded in the Himalayas.