Raffles's malkoha is a species of cuckoo. It was formerly often placed in Phaenicophaeus with the other malkohas, but it is a rather distinct species, with several autapomorphies and sexual dimorphism.
Region
Sundaland (Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo and nearby islands)
Typical Environment
Found in primary and well-structured secondary lowland and hill evergreen forests, as well as forest edges and swamp forests. It favors dense foliage and vine tangles in the mid- to upper canopy where it gleans prey from leaves and twigs. The species occurs across the Malay Peninsula (including southern Thailand and Singapore), Sumatra, Borneo, and adjacent islands. It is generally local but can be fairly common where suitable habitat persists.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Raffles's malkoha is a small forest cuckoo and the sole member of the genus Rhinortha. Unlike many cuckoos, it is non-parasitic, building its own nest and rearing its young. It shows marked sexual dimorphism and often forages quietly in the mid- to upper canopy, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides between canopy gaps
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and frequently associates with mixed-species foraging flocks. Builds a simple cup nest concealed in dense vegetation, with both parents involved in care. Territorial calling increases during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, repeated series of clucks and popping notes, often rendered as pok-pok-pok that accelerates slightly. Also gives low coos and harsh chacks while foraging, which can be hard to locate in dense foliage.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a long, graduated tail often showing pale tips; fine, soft feathering suited to canopy life. Marked sexual dimorphism: males tend toward greyer head and underparts, females show warmer rufous tones on head and breast. Underparts otherwise pale to grey-olive, with subtle scaling in some individuals.
Diet
Primarily hunts large insects such as caterpillars, stick insects, mantises, beetles, and orthopterans. Will take spiders and other arthropods and occasionally small vertebrates or berries. Prey is gleaned from leaves and twigs or taken by short sallies within the foliage.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid- to upper canopy of mature forest, along edges, and in tangled vine thickets. Often forages methodically along branches, joining mixed flocks to exploit disturbed prey.
