Arborophila rolli
Roll's Partridge (Arborophila rolli) is a strikingly patterned, medium-sized gamebird endemic to the montane forests of Borneo. Measuring approximately 25-28 cm in length, this species is characterized by its distinctive head markings: a prominent white supercilium and moustachial stripe contrasting with a black line above the supercilium and a rich chestnut crown and nape. Its body plumage is generally grey, subtly barred with black on the flanks, and it sports conspicuous rufous undertail c...
Found in submontane and montane evergreen forests, typically at elevations between 900 and 2,000 meters, preferring areas with dense undergrowth and mossy forest floors.
Feeds primarily on invertebrates such as insects, worms, and mollusks, supplemented by a variety of plant matter including seeds and berries, foraged by scratching through forest floor litter.
This highly secretive, ground-dwelling partridge is typically encountered in pairs or small family groups, foraging actively by scratching through leaf litter for food. Daily activity peaks during the early morning and late afternoon, with birds typically roosting on the ground or in low vegetati...
Roll's Partridge is strictly endemic to the island of Borneo, where it is found across the montane regions of Sarawak and Sabah in Malaysia, Brunei, and the Indonesian province of Kalimantan. Its distribution is generally restricted to higher elevations, typically occurring in submontane and mont...
Least Concern
- Roll's Partridge was named after German naturalist and explorer, Walter Roll, who collected the first specimens. - Despite its 'Least Concern' IUCN status, its shy nature and restricted montane habitat make it a challenging bird to observe in the wild. - Its distinctive whistling call, often a ...