Chestnut-bellied Malkoha

Phaenicophaeus sumatranus

Family: Cuckoos · Status: Uncommon resident · Size: 40–40.5 cm · Conservation: Near Threatened

Range

Occurs from southern Myanmar and southern Thailand through the Thai-Malay Peninsula to Sumatra, Borneo, and adjacent islands.

Identification

Adult has greyish head and mantle, bluish-green wings and bluish-grey tail tipped white below, grey breast with chestnut extending from belly to vent, pale green bill, distinctive bright orange facial skin around eye, and pale blue-grey iris.

Habitat

Forest, forest edge, well-wooded parks.

Behaviour

Builds its own nest and raises its own chicks. Feeds on large insects and occasionally frogs. Moves quietly through the canopy.