**Bornean green-magpie (Cissa jefferyi)**

A striking endemic species of Borneo’s montane forests, known for its vivid green plumage and secretive behavior.

Context

Observed at Gunung Alab bird hide in Sabah (Borneo), where individuals occasionally approach feeding areas, allowing close-range observation in otherwise dense forest habitat.

Field notes

This species is typically difficult to observe in the wild, remaining hidden in dense vegetation and often detected only through brief movements or calls. Even in Kinabalu Park, where it is most common, photographic opportunities remain rare.

At Gunung Alab bird hide, however, some individuals become more visible as they approach feeding sites, offering rare opportunities to study their behavior and appearance at close range.

Encounters with this species are usually brief, and even at a reliable bird hide, the Bornean green-magpie does not appear every day.

Key facts

The Bornean green-magpie belongs to the genus Cissa, a group of brightly colored yet elusive forest birds.

It is the only species in the genus to display pale cream-colored eyes and can also be recognized by the broad black band across its face.

While green-magpies generally prefer highland habitats, the Bornean green-magpie is the only one strictly associated with true montane forests, occurring up to the tree line at around 2,700 m asl.

Conservation

The species is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, but its conservation status could change if its habitat becomes increasingly degraded.

As it appears to be restricted to true montane forests, it may be particularly vulnerable to environmental changes, including the effects of climate change.