Bird Guide

Banded Broadbill vs Black-and-yellow Broadbill

Banded Broadbill (Eurylaimus javanicus)

Banded Broadbill

Eurylaimus javanicus

Medium78 gForest

The banded broadbill is a striking, large-bodied bird, with a length of 21.5–23.0 cm (8.5–9.1 in). The weight of 10 adult pallidus specimens from the Malay Peninsula was 65.1–95.0 g (2.30–3.35 oz), males weighing slightly more than females. If seen clearly, the species is unlikely to be confused with any other bird. It may be mistaken for black-and-yellow broadbill, which differs in its smaller size, black head and contrasting white collar. Voice: The species' song is a remarkable, short, loud wheeoo or wiuk, occasionally prefaced with 4–9 whirr notes and always followed with a noisy, high-speed, rattling trill lasting 5–9 seconds that initially rises in pitch before quickly falling. This song is frequently given by two birds one after the other, with neighbouring pairs then responding.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Samuel Lee · CC BY 4.0
Black-and-yellow Broadbill (Eurylaimus ochromalus)

Black-and-yellow Broadbill

Eurylaimus ochromalus

Small33 gForest

The black-and-yellow broadbill is a small, distinctive species of typical broadbill that is 13.5–15 cm (5.3–5.9 in) long and weighs 31–39 g (1.1–1.4 oz). Males have black heads and upperparts with a white collar and black breastband, along with prominent yellow markings on the back and wings. The underparts are vinous-pink, fading to yellow towards the belly and undertail coverts (tail feathers that cover the underside of the base of the tail). The tail is black, with yellow spots on the middle feathers and whiter ones on the outer feathers. Voice: The black-and-yellow broadbill's song is a cicada-like bubbling trill that starts with a few sharp downslurred notes before rising in pitch and gradually speeding up into an 8–12 second long low, quivering trill. This song is similar to that of a banded broadbill, but is longer, accelerates more slowly, lacks an initial whistle, and ends suddenly.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Kalvin Chan · CC BY 4.0

Where you might meet both

Learn this pair in the BeakBrain App

Photo and call practice. Coming soon to iPhone and Android.

Play today's Daily Bird

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Banded Broadbill and Black-and-yellow Broadbill.