The Silver-Breasted Broadbill (Serilophus lunatus) is a striking bird known for its smooth, silky feathers and vivid colors. Its glossy blue wings and distinctive silver crescent on the breast make this bird a stunning sight in the wild.
This medium-sized bird measures between 16 to 17 centimeters (6.3 to 6.7 inches) and weighs around 25 to 35 grams (0.9 to 1.2 ounces). The species displays a range of captivating colors. The head area is defined by the rust-colored head, ash-grey forehead, and bold black stripe above the eye.
The breast and belly are pure white, while the rump and upper wing coverts are covered in rich rufous tones. The bird’s flight feathers are a mix of blue and black, offering an impressive contrast, with the tail standing out in black.
There is a slight difference between males and females. Females have a narrower silver band across their breast. Younger birds resemble adults but have shorter wings and tails with darker plumage.
The Silver-Breasted Broadbill can be found throughout Southeast Asia, inhabiting Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, and Vietnam. These birds thrive in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, as well as in montane forests.
Their diet mainly consists of insects like grasshoppers, mantises, caterpillars, larvae, and small snails. These agile birds catch their prey mid-flight or gather it from foliage and branches.
The breeding season runs from March to August when these monogamous birds build nests together. The nests, constructed from twigs, hang from tree branches about two meters off the ground.
A typical clutch contains 3 to 5 white, oval eggs. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs for around 15 days. When the chicks hatch, they are blind and featherless, relying entirely on their parents for care.
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