Taccocua leschenaultii
The Sirkeer Malkoha (*Taccocua leschenaultii*) is a distinctive and somewhat elusive member of the cuckoo family, notable for being one of the few non-brood parasitic cuckoos. This large, slender bird measures approximately 41-43 cm (16-17 inches) in length, characterized by its long, graduated tail with broad white tips and a striking, bright red-orange bill. Its plumage is a warm rusty brown on the upperparts, transitioning to a paler, often rufous-tinged, underbelly. A key identification f...
Found primarily in dry scrublands, open thorny forests, semi-desert areas, and the edges of cultivation, often in areas with dense undergrowth. It prefers lowlands up to moderate elevations of about 1200 meters.
Feeds predominantly on large insects such as grasshoppers, mantises, beetles, and caterpillars, as well as small vertebrates including lizards, snakes, and small rodents. It is primarily an opportunistic ground-foraging insectivore.
Primarily a terrestrial species, the Sirkeer Malkoha is diurnal, spending much of its time foraging on the ground or in low, dense vegetation. It employs a distinctive foraging strategy, running swiftly and hopping through undergrowth, often with its long tail held high, to flush out and snatch p...
The Sirkeer Malkoha is a widespread resident breeder across the Indian subcontinent, encompassing India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Its distribution is continuous throughout much of central and peninsular India. Three subspecies are generally recognized: *T. l. leschenaultii* is ...
Least Concern
- Unlike many cuckoos, the Sirkeer Malkoha is not a brood parasite; it builds its own nest and raises its own young. - It is one of the most terrestrial cuckoos, preferring to run and hop along the ground rather than flying. - Its bright red-orange bill and bare facial skin are highly distinctive...