Bornean Crested Fireback

Lophura ignita

Partridges, Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies · Galliformes · Rare

The Bornean Crested Fireback (Lophura ignita) is a rare partridges, pheasants, grouse, and alli found in 5 countries, weighing about 1.8 kg. The Bornean crested fireback, Lophura ignita, is a large, sexually dimorphic, and distinctly-coloured pheasant of the family Galliformes endemic to the rainforests of Borneo and the surrounding islands.

VulnerableRareEats omnivoreforest1.8 kg

About the Bornean Crested Fireback

The Bornean crested fireback, Lophura ignita, is a large, sexually dimorphic, and distinctly-coloured pheasant of the family Galliformes endemic to the rainforests of Borneo and the surrounding islands. It is a non-migrating omnivorous species, often seen in groups of 5–6 in the rainforest lowlands. As of 2020 they were classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to population decline from habitat loss and deforestation, hunting, and trapping for the cage bird trade.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

How to identify it

The Bornean crested fireback maintains a similar body plan to most other species in Galliformes (heavy bodied ground-dwellers). Similar to other species in the genus Lophura, L. ignita has strong coloration, with a dark plumage contrasting vibrant accents. Voice: Bornean crested firebacks have extensive vocalizations. Cornell Lab identified the following divisions: Squeal: "Loud squeals or piping whistles" with variable, but usually shrill, notes. These calls are exclusive to males during intrasexual conflict or other aggressive activity and usually lasts for 0.6–1.0 seconds. Squirrel call: A snapping note similar to that of the squirrel.

Where it lives

When to see it

Best months: February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, with peak activity in July. It is a variable species across most of its range.

Easily confused with

Quick questions

How do you identify a Bornean Crested Fireback?
The Bornean crested fireback maintains a similar body plan to most other species in Galliformes (heavy bodied ground-dwellers). Full identification notes are on this page.
How big is a Bornean Crested Fireback?
The Bornean Crested Fireback is a huge sized bird weighing about 1.8 kg.
Where can you see a Bornean Crested Fireback?
The Bornean Crested Fireback occurs in 5 countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar (Burma) and Brunei.
What birds look similar to a Bornean Crested Fireback?
The Bornean Crested Fireback is most easily confused with the Siamese Fireback, the Silver Pheasant and the Bulwer's Pheasant.
Is the Bornean Crested Fireback endangered?
The Bornean Crested Fireback is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Learn the Bornean Crested Fireback for real

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