The Black-and-red Broadbill: A Striking Bird with a Turquoise Bill and Masterful Nesting Skills

The **Black-and-red Broadbill** (*Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos*) is a strikingly colorful bird with a bold contrast of black and crimson-red plumage. It has a vibrant turquoise-blue bill, which stands out against its dark feathers, adding to its unique appearance. This broadbill is medium-sized, with a stout body and short tail, typically measuring around 20-25 cm in length.

The Black-and-red Broadbill is commonly found in the lowland forests and mangroves of Southeast Asia, including countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Preferring wet, tropical environments near rivers and swamps, these birds are usually spotted in pairs or small groups as they forage for insects, small fish, and fruit.

These birds are relatively quiet, but their presence is noticeable due to their striking colors. They build large, hanging nests from tree branches near water, using grass, leaves, and plant fibers. Although their population is not currently threatened, habitat loss due to deforestation poses a risk to their future. Conservation efforts to preserve Southeast Asian rainforests are crucial to the survival of the Black-and-red Broadbill.