Chestnut-breasted Malkoha

Photographed by Dr Manjeet Singh
F.R.I.M. , Sg Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia

Phaenicophaeus curvirostris

Identification

Has entire chestnut underparts and a lack of white tip to tail feathers. Upperparts dark iridescent green, including most of the uppertail. Has broad chestnut terminal band on upper tail. Sides of entire tail narrowly marked chestnut. Orbital skin red. Male -Pale blue eyes. Female-Eyes Golden to yellowish white. Size:-35cm including tail.

Distribution

Tenasserim (Myanmar) and the Malaya Peninsula south to Greater Sunda, Bali, and Palawan (Philippines).

Taxonomy

There are 7 subspecies.

Habitat

Mangroves (on Pulau Langkawi only), forests, forests edges, plantations and wooded gardens.

Behaviour

Usually found in the Middle storey, usually in pairs. Sometimes forages low in dense scrub. Generally unobtrusive, perching for long periods in the foliage.

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