The Black-and-white Babbler is a striking species with a contrasting black upperparts and white underparts, resembling a small rail or wren. It is a highly secretive ground-dwelling bird of dense, wet habitats.
Where to spot
Found in Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo. It inhabits lowland and hill evergreen forests, preferring dense undergrowth, bamboo, and often streamsides, especially in wet, swampy areas.
How to spot
Listen for its distinctive, deep, and rapid 'pok-pok-pok-pok' calls. Observing it visually is very challenging; look for quick, furtive movements very low to the ground in extremely dense vegetation, often in damp areas.
When to spot
Resident year-round. Extremely difficult to observe, but early mornings are generally the most active for vocalizations.
Where to spot
Found in Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo. It inhabits lowland and hill evergreen forests, preferring dense undergrowth, bamboo, and often streamsides, especially in wet, swampy areas.
How to spot
Listen for its distinctive, deep, and rapid 'pok-pok-pok-pok' calls. Observing it visually is very challenging; look for quick, furtive movements very low to the ground in extremely dense vegetation, often in damp areas.
When to spot
Resident year-round. Extremely difficult to observe, but early mornings are generally the most active for vocalizations.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Its bold black and white plumage is highly unusual for a babbler, making it instantly recognizable if a glimpse is caught.
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