Sabah's acoustic giant
Great Argus
Argusianus argus
On most stays at Borneo Rainforest Lodge, its resonant call is heard daily. The sound carries more than 1 kilometre.
Species profile
A terrestrial gamebird
The Great Argus is an evolutionary marvel that operates differently from almost every other gamebird. The Bornean subspecies is Argusianus argus grayi. It is slightly smaller than the birds found in Peninsular Malaysia and shows a deeper rufous-brown chest with prominently whiter spots on its back. The species was uplisted to Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List in 2020 because of habitat fragmentation across Southeast Asia.
The male lacks a uropygial gland, leaving him vulnerable to waterlogging. During downpours, birds shelter and fall silent to conserve energy. The famous ocelli sit on elongated secondary wing feathers, not the tail. During courtship, he throws these wings forward into a circular fan.
Lowland and hill forests
Great Argus inhabits primary lowland and hill dipterocarp forests up to roughly 1,300 metres. Danum is a stronghold, with a high density of calling males. Takala's hide overlooks an active dancing ground.
Moonlight and rain
Males call year-round, as females can lay in any month. Rain suppresses activity, so plan hide vigils for dry mornings. Much calling happens at night, especially during a new moon.
Forest stays and reserves
Alternatives
Your travel schedule
Species profile
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