The rough-crested malkoha is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. It is endemic to Luzon Island in the Philippines. Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forest. It is declining due to habitat loss and hunting.
Region
Northern Philippines
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and mature secondary tropical moist lowland forest on Luzon, favoring dense midstory and canopy layers. It also uses forest edges, bamboo thickets, and lightly logged forest where cover remains intact. Birds often forage along lianas and tangles, keeping to shaded interiors. Tolerance to heavy fragmentation is low, and it is most regular where continuous forest persists.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The rough-crested malkoha is a non-parasitic cuckoo that builds its own nest and raises its young. It moves deliberately through dense foliage, often flicking its long tail and raising its shaggy crest when alert. Habitat loss and hunting have caused local declines, so it is best found in remaining tracts of lowland forest.
Head feather pattern
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats followed by brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups moving quietly through midstory and canopy. Builds a shallow twig nest concealed in dense foliage; both parents share incubation and feeding duties. Territorial during breeding and often remains within a well-covered home range.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a series of low, gruff clucks and croaks, often rendered as repeated ‘kak-kak’ notes. Calls carry through forest understory but are not loud; vocalizations increase at dawn and in overcast conditions.
Plumage
Dark, glossy slate to blackish upperparts with a long, graduated tail; loose, ragged crest on the head. Underparts darker with subtle contrast; wings may show warmer tones in good light. Feathers on crown and nape appear bristly, giving a ‘rough-crested’ look.
Diet
Primarily hunts large insects such as caterpillars, katydids, stick insects, mantises, and beetles gleaned from leaves and twigs. Occasionally takes small lizards or frogs and supplements with berries when available. Forages methodically, using its robust bill to pry into clusters of leaves and vine tangles.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in mid to upper forest strata, especially along vine-laden branches, bamboo, and dense tangles. Often works along forest edges and gaps where insect prey concentrates but retreats quickly to cover.
