Living in forest lands, breve has a peculiarity of being brightly colored. Only decorative breve (Hydrornis phayrei), with its predominantly brown coat showing some stripes, lacking brightly colored fur. At the other extreme, the bandeau brief (Erythropitta arquata), which lives on the island of Borneo, is considered one of the most interesting and colorful species. In some cases, but not all, it is possible to differentiate the sexes by the difference in their plumage. Breves are solitary and territorial by nature, spending long hours each day whistling to mark their territory. This method is usually enough to avoid a fight. Pairs only huddle together during the nesting period. Their large domed nests with side openings are mostly built by the male over a period of about a week. The location chosen can be above the ground, although the nest is most often located in a tree.

Way of life

Breves tend to frequent moist forest areas, where it is relatively easy for them to catch their favorite prey, earthworms, although they also eat snails regularly. Other invertebrates such as ants are eaten less frequently, but their sturdy beak allows these birds to turn over leaves and other debris, catching suitable creatures that come across, including small lizards. Bites are active during the day but difficult to observe, due to their inconspicuous nature, and can blend into the forest very effectively regardless of color.

Do you know ?

It is thought that the Guerney brief (Hydrornis gurneyi) disappeared after 1952, but suddenly reappeared 34 years later in 1986, when some of these writings were found in Thailand. In 1997, it was listed as one of the most endangered birds in the world, before a relatively large and previously unknown population was discovered in Myanmar (Burma).

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