bristlehead

Bristlehead is a genus of passerine birds in the family Pityriaceae, which is the sole family within the order Bristleheadiformes. The genus contains only one species, Pityriasis gymnocephala, commonly known as the bristlehead. This unique bird is found in the lowland rainforests of Borneo.

The bristlehead is characterized by its distinctive appearance. It has a large head with bare, wrinkled skin around the eyes and throat, and a crown of stiff, bristle-like feathers that give it its name. The plumage is predominantly olive-green with a black throat and chest. Males and females are similar in appearance. They are medium-sized birds, measuring about 24 centimeters in length.

These birds are typically seen in the middle and upper canopy of forests. They are often found singly or in pairs, and occasionally in small flocks. The bristlehead is an omnivore, feeding on a varied diet of insects, spiders, fruits, and berries. Their foraging behavior often involves probing bark and moss for invertebrates.

The bristlehead's call is a series of loud, harsh whistles and screeches, which can be heard from a considerable distance. Their breeding biology is not extensively documented, but they are thought to be cavity nesters. The bristlehead is considered a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and fragmentation caused by deforestation in its native Borneo. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting its remaining rainforest habitat.