Chestnut-bellied Malkoha

Phaenicophaeus sumatranus

Large, rather ungainly cuckoo; clambers about in the middle and upper levels of lowland forests and edges as it forages. Glossy green above, gray below and on head, with neon-orange skin around the eye, chestnut-orange belly and undertail coverts, greenish-yellow bill, and white-tipped green tail. Black-bellied Malkoha similar but paler overall, with a dark belly, and Green-billed Malkoha even paler, with dark red facial skin bordered in white. Gives multiple hollow-sounding notes, reminiscent of knocks on wood.

Identification

The plumage on its mantle is dark green and glossy, while that of its throat, breast, and crown are gray. The underside of its wings are green and yellow.

Taxonomy

Genus: Phaenicophaeus; Family: Cuculidae; Order: Cuculiformes.

Scientific name
Phaenicophaeus sumatranus
Authority
(Raffles, 1822)
Order
Cuculiformes
Family
Cuculidae
Genus
Phaenicophaeus

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Behavior

Migration pattern: Resident species.

Conservation

Population trend: declining.

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

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