Green-billed Malkoha
NameGreen-billed Malkoha
Common NameGreen-billed Malkoha
Scientific NamePhaenicophaeus tristis
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)32
Length (cm)55
Weight (g)120
Plumage DetailsThe head and neck are pale grey, transitioning to a dark grey or greenish-black on the back, wings, and underparts. The most striking features are the bright apple-green bill and the large, bare patch of crimson-red skin surrounding the dark eye. The long, graduated tail often shows white tips on the undertail feathers.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of loud, harsh, rattling, or cackling calls, often described as 'ka-ka-ka-ka' or 'kwa-kwa-kwa' notes.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across a wide range in Southeast Asia, including parts of the Indian subcontinent (India, Nepal, Bangladesh), Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Sumatra.
Identifying FeaturesBright green bill, Prominent crimson-red bare skin around the eye, Pale grey head and neck, Dark grey to greenish-black body, Long, graduated tail
Description
This large, slender cuckoo is characterized by its distinctive bright green bill and prominent crimson-red bare skin around the eye. It has a pale grey head and neck contrasting with a dark grey to greenish-black body. An arboreal species, it typically forages in the dense canopy of forests.
