Blue-faced Malkoha

Overview

The blue-faced malkoha, also known as the small green-billed malkoha, is a non-parasitic cuckoo found in peninsular India and Sri Lanka. It inhabits scrub and deciduous forests and is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• A largish bird (39 cm) with dark grey upperparts possessing an oily green or blue gloss.
• Distinctive apple-green bill and a large patch of naked blue skin surrounding the eye.
• Dark tail with graduated feathers tipped in white, and a dull creamy to rufous lower belly.
• Throat and chin appear streaked and spiny due to branched, pointed feathers that are slightly yellowish.

Habitat

Found in peninsular India south of Baroda and Cuttack, as well as in Sri Lanka where it is restricted to the plains. The species favours semi-evergreen, dry deciduous, and open scrub forest environments.

Diet

Feeds on a variety of insects, caterpillars, and small vertebrates. It typically forages within the undergrowth of its forest habitat.

Did you know?

This species is noted for a peculiar anatomical modification where the two dorsal carotids are reduced to paired ligaments known as 'ligamenti ottleyi' that enter the hypapophysial canal. It is generally very silent but will occasionally produce a low, croaky 'kraa' when flushed.