Bornean Crested Fireback
Lophura ignita
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.










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
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.