Red-faced Malkoha
NameRed-faced Malkoha
Common NameRed-faced Malkoha
Scientific NamePhaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)22
Length (cm)46
Weight (g)225
Plumage DetailsThe Red-faced Malkoha features a bright red, bare facial patch that extends around the eye. Its crown and upperparts are glossy black, often with a bluish or greenish sheen. The throat and breast are white, transitioning to greyish-white on the belly, and it has a long, graduated black tail with broad white tips on the undertail feathers.
Vocalization / CallGenerally a quiet bird, it can produce a series of soft, low 'krr-krr-krr' or 'kruk-kruk' notes, sometimes described as a low growl or clucking sounds.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeEndemic to the island of Sri Lanka, primarily found in the dense primary and secondary evergreen forests of the wet zone and sub-montane regions.
Identifying Featuresbright red bare facial skin, glossy black upperparts, white throat and breast, long graduated tail with white tips, pale, stout bill
Description
This large, striking cuckoo is endemic to Sri Lanka, easily recognized by its vibrant red facial skin and contrasting black and white plumage. It is an arboreal species, typically moving stealthily through the dense canopy of evergreen forests while foraging for food.
