The blue malkoha or chattering yellowbill is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. It was formerly conspecific with the green malkoha until split in 2016. It is widely distributed across the African tropical rainforest.
Region
West and Central African Rainforest
Typical Environment
Found widely from the Upper Guinean forests of West Africa through the Congo Basin into parts of western East Africa. Prefers lowland primary and mature secondary rainforest, forest edges, and gallery forests. It often forages in the mid to upper canopy and along vine tangles and lianas. Locally it may occur in swamp forests and well-wooded plantations adjacent to natural forest.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Despite being a cuckoo, the blue malkoha is not a brood parasite; it builds its own nest and raises its young. It was split from the green malkoha as a separate species in 2016. Its bright yellow bill and chattering calls often reveal it as it skulks through the forest canopy.
Temperament
secretive but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and frequently associates with mixed-species flocks. It is non-parasitic and constructs a shallow stick nest concealed in dense foliage. Both sexes participate in incubation and feeding of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of loud chattering, clacking, and rattling notes that accelerate or rise in pitch. Calls carry through the canopy and are often given in bouts during active foraging.
Plumage
Glossy bluish-green to slate-blue upperparts with a long, graduated tail; underparts grayish with a paler throat. Tail often shows paler or whitish tips on the outer feathers.
Diet
Primarily takes large insects such as caterpillars, grasshoppers, mantises, beetles, and stick insects, often gleaned from foliage and bark. It will also snatch spiders and occasionally small vertebrates like tree frogs or lizards. Fruits and berries are eaten opportunistically, especially when insect prey is less abundant.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the mid to upper forest canopy, along vine tangles, and forest edges. Often follows mixed-species bird parties and sometimes forages near monkey troops to catch flushed insects.
