HomeA unique songbird, missing for 170 years, rediscovered on Borneo

A unique songbird, missing for 170 years, rediscovered on Borneo

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Black-browed Babber (Malacocincla perspicillata) has not been seen for nearly two centuries. It was accidentally discovered in the forest of the Southeast Kalimantan province.

On the Indonesian island of Borneo, for the first time since 1840, a rare mysterious songbird species, the black-browed babbler (Malacocincla perspicillata), has been noticed. This is stated in an article in the BirdingASIA magazine.

For almost two centuries, the only evidence of the species existence was a specimen from a museum collection in Leiden, Netherlands, which was brought from an expedition to Borneo between 1843 and 1848.

During this time, some bird watchers believed that the species had completely disappeared.

But a few months ago, the black-browed babber suddenly appeared on an island in the forest of the Indonesian province of Southeast Kalimantan. It was accidentally noticed and photographed by local residents Muhammad Suranto and Muhammad Rizky Fauzan. 

A bird from the order of passerines is distinguished by a gray-brown color, a thickened beak, and a black mask going through the eyes.

This species has survived despite massive deforestation on Borneo, which has resulted in the loss of habitat for many of its fauna.

Bird watchers and conservationists are planning to visit the site of the bird’s discovery as soon as quarantine restrictions are lifted.

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