Rhamphococcyx calyorhynchus
The Yellow-billed Malkoha (Rhamphococcyx calyorhynchus) is a striking, medium-large cuckoo, measuring approximately 45-50 cm (17.5-20 in) in length, primarily found in the forested regions of Sulawesi and nearby Indonesian islands. This species is readily identified by its exceptionally prominent, bright yellow to orange-yellow bill, which often has a greenish base, contrasting sharply with its black head. Its upperparts are a glossy dark green or blue-black, while the underparts are a rich r...
This species primarily inhabits lowland and hill forests, secondary growth, and forest edges, generally found at elevations up to 1,500 meters.
Its diet mainly consists of large insects such as caterpillars, stick insects, beetles, and mantises, along with spiders, small lizards, and occasionally some fruit. It forages by gleaning prey directly from leaves and branches.
The Yellow-billed Malkoha is a diurnal and often solitary or paired species, known for its rather sluggish and deliberate movements through the forest understory and mid-canopy. It employs a gleaning foraging strategy, methodically searching branches and foliage for prey. Unlike many cuckoos, it ...
The Yellow-billed Malkoha is endemic to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi and several of its satellite islands. Its primary distribution covers the main island of Sulawesi, where it is widely, though somewhat patchily, distributed across various habitats. Additionally, significant populations are...
Least Concern
- The Yellow-billed Malkoha is one of the rare cuckoo species that builds its own nest and raises its young, defying the typical brood-parasitic nature of many cuckoos. - It belongs to a monotypic genus, Rhamphococcyx, meaning it is the sole member of its genus, highlighting its unique evolutiona...