The Bornean bristlehead is rarely encountered and is considered to be uncommon even in prime habitat. The apparent scarcity of this species may, in part, be explained by the tendency of flocks to range over large areas (6). This behaviour suggests that the Bornean bristlehead is nomadic in nature, maintaining large home ranges (10).
As a naturally gregarious species, the Bornean bristlehead is usually encountered in flocks of six to ten birds. It moves slowly through its lowland rainforest habitat in an ungainly fashion (3). Flocks of the Bornean bristlehead often associate with other large forest birds, notably the black magpie (Platysmurus leucopterus) (7).
These flocks of Bornean bristleheads spend much of their time searching leaves and tree trunks for invertebrate prey (3). Caterpillars, cicadas, beetles and other large insects are the principle sources of food for the Bornean bristlehead (2) (3) (7). Occasionally, small reptiles and amphibians are also taken as prey (2). Although the Bornean bristlehead has been seen to feed on fruit, this is considered to be a small part of the overall diet (3).
The breeding biology of the Bornean bristlehead remains a mystery, with very little information known (3). Although the nest of this species has never been found, there is a description of an egg taken from a female specimen that was collected in 1896. This egg was largely white with grey and brown spots (11). Evidence of breeding, such as carrying of nesting material, has been observed in May, August and October (3) (7), suggesting that this species may have quite an extended breeding season (3). However, further fieldwork is necessary to unearth the exact details of this aspect of the life of the Bornean bristlehead (2).