Green Malkoha
NameGreen Malkoha
Common NameGreen Malkoha
Scientific NamePhaenicophaeus tristis
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)32.5
Length (cm)56
Weight (g)130
Plumage DetailsThe head and breast are pale grey, contrasting with an iridescent dark green back, wings, and upper tail coverts. The long, graduated tail is a striking bright blue with broad white tips on the outer feathers. It has a prominent, stout, bright yellow bill, often with a reddish base, and a bare patch of red or orange skin around the eye.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of harsh, grating 'kraa-kraa-kraa' or 'krak-krak-krak' calls, sometimes interspersed with softer cooing notes. These calls are often given from dense cover.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across a wide range in Southeast Asia, from the Himalayan foothills (Nepal, Bhutan) through northeastern India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Peninsular Malaysia, and parts of southern China.
Identifying FeaturesLong, graduated blue tail with white tips, Pale grey head and breast, Iridescent dark green back, Large, bright yellow bill, Red or orange bare facial skin
Description
The Green Malkoha is a large, slender cuckoo characterized by its long, graduated blue tail with white tips. It typically forages in the mid-canopy of dense forests, moving stealthily through the foliage in search of insects and small vertebrates.
