The black-bellied malkoha is a species of malkoha in the family Cuculidae. It is found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Thailand. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, including mango trees, and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Sundaland and adjacent mainland Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in Brunei, Indonesia (primarily Sumatra and Borneo), Malaysia (Peninsular and Bornean), southern Myanmar, Singapore, and southern Thailand. It inhabits lowland evergreen and semi-evergreen rainforests, riverine and peat-swamp forests, and mangroves, and will use mature secondary forests and tall orchards such as mango groves. Most activity is in the midstory to canopy, especially along lianas and dense foliage. It is generally tied to forested landscapes and retreats from heavily degraded habitat.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-bellied malkoha is a non-parasitic cuckoo that forages quietly through dense foliage, often joining mixed-species flocks in the canopy. It favors intact lowland rainforest but also uses mangroves and mature secondary growth, where it searches vine tangles for large insects. Its long graduated tail helps with balance as it moves through branches. Ongoing lowland forest loss across Sundaland is the primary threat to this species.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with gliding between cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, often accompanying mixed-species flocks as it forages along vines and dense foliage. It is a non-parasitic cuckoo that builds its own shallow twig nest concealed in thickets. Breeding season varies locally but generally coincides with wetter periods when insect prey is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft and infrequent: series of hoarse clucks and low cooing notes, sometimes accelerating and repeated from a concealed perch. Also gives dry chattering calls when moving with flocks.
