The chestnut-bellied malkoha is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. It is found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Thailand. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, subtropical or tropical mangrove forest, and subtropical or tropical swampland. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Sundaland and Peninsular Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in Brunei, Indonesia (Sumatra, Borneo and nearby islands), Malaysia, southern Myanmar, Singapore, and southern Thailand. It favors primary and older secondary lowland rainforests, peat-swamp forests, and mangroves, and also uses forest edges and dense thickets. Usually keeps to the midstory and subcanopy, moving through lianas and tangled vegetation. It is patchier where lowland forests have been extensively cleared and is scarce in heavily degraded habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This long-tailed cuckoo is one of the non-parasitic malkohas, building its own nest and rearing its young. It often forages quietly in pairs or small family groups and may join mixed-species flocks in the forest midstory. Its dependence on intact lowland rainforest and mangroves makes it sensitive to logging and peat-swamp drainage.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with gliding between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and occasionally joins mixed-species flocks. Builds a shallow twig nest concealed in dense vegetation and both parents attend the young. Unlike many cuckoos, malkohas are not brood parasites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft and low, including hoots, coos, and clucking notes, often delivered from cover. Calls may accelerate into a series when birds are in contact or alarmed.
