Blue-faced Malkoha

Blue-faced Malkoha

Phaenicophaeus viridirostris

Least Concern

Aves · Cuculiformes · Cuculidae

About

The blue-faced malkoha or small green-billed malkoha, is a non-parasitic cuckoo found in the scrub and deciduous forests of peninsular India and Sri Lanka. It has a waxy, dark, blue-grey plumage on its upperparts and has a long tail with graduated white-tipped feathers. The throat and chin are dark with spiny pale feathers that are branched. The lower belly is a dull creamy to rufous colour. The bill is apple green, and a naked patch of blue skin surrounds the eye. The sexes are alike. The blue-faced malkoha is a bird of open forests and scrub jungle.

Fun Fact

It has a waxy, dark, blue-grey plumage on its upperparts and has a long tail with graduated white-tipped feathers.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Found in peninsular India south of Baroda (the Surat Dangs) and Cuttack in a range of habitats from semi-evergreen, dry deciduous and open scrub forest.

Diet

To be updated

Lifespan

To be updated

Threats

  • Habitat Change
  • Human Disturbance