The Malaysian hawk-cuckoo or Malay hawk-cuckoo is a bird in the family Cuculidae formerly considered conspecific with Hodgson's hawk-cuckoo and the rufous hawk-cuckoo. All three species were previously assigned as Cuculus fugax.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs through the Malay Peninsula, Singapore, and on Sumatra and Borneo (Indonesia and Brunei), with some presence in southern Thailand. Prefers lowland and hill evergreen forest, forest edge, and secondary growth. It adapts to semi-open habitats including plantations and wooded gardens where canopy cover persists. Often keeps to the mid-story and subcanopy, moving quietly through dense leaves.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This hawk-like cuckoo is a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of smaller passerines which then raise the chick. It is often detected by its piercing, repetitive whistles rather than by sight, as it stays well hidden in foliage. The barred tail and sharp, yellow-eyed gaze can momentarily mimic a small hawk, which may deter mobbing by other birds.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically solitary outside the breeding season and spends much time quietly foraging in cover. As a brood parasite, the female lays eggs in the nests of small passerines; the host species incubates and raises the chick. Display and pair interactions are often vocal, with males calling from concealed perches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, whistled notes that accelerate or rise slightly in pitch, often carrying far through forest. Calls are repeated for long periods, especially at dawn and dusk, and can be one of the most distinctive forest sounds.
Plumage
Brown to grey-brown upperparts with a contrasting, finely barred tail; underparts pale with rufous wash and dark barring across the flanks and belly. Throat and upper breast show warm rufous tones with a cleaner whitish chin. Feathers are sleek and hawk-like, enhancing its raptor mimicry.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects, especially caterpillars (including hairy species), beetles, orthopterans, and mantises. Will also take spiders and other arthropods. Occasionally snaps up small lizards or other soft-bodied prey when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid-story and subcanopy along forest edges, secondary woodland, and semi-open plantations with tree cover. Often hunts by perch-and-sally, making short sorties to pick prey from leaves and branches.
