Malkohas are large birds with slender
bodies, long tail and short legs. They are within one more
group of birds whose feet are zygodactyl [ i.e. the two
inner toes pointed forward and the two outer backward].
As for family background, Malkohas are
in the same group as Cuckoos. For this larger group of birds
generally known as Cuckoo, World wide -there are 79
species. In South east Asia - 27 species. The large group
can be sub-dived into 3 types of Cuckoos. Firstly the
Parasitic Cuckoo that the name applies and which most of us
are familiar with, closely followed by the large birds -
Malkohas. Lastly a small 3rd group and lesser known birds -
the Ground Cuckoo
Malkohas being Cuculidae
from the subfamily Phaenicophinae, have
in total, 28 species world wide. They are New world species
living in tropical Central and South America but some are
found in South-east Asia and Africa.
In Malaysia, they are forest birds but
mostly stay at the forest edge or even open country. Most of
them feed on insect but prefer hairy Caterpillars. A food
normally avoided by most birds.
Malkohas unique preference are common occurrences that I
even have pictures on this page to show it happening.
Malkoha recognized by their long tail, a
stout slightly decurved bill, and bare skin around the eyes.
Most Malkoha is described as a shy and
restless but sprightly dweller who prefers tall forest canopy.
Because of the relatively large size, they
can be spotted easily. They do not take flight. Silently they
make themselves less conspicuous. But all Malkohas cleverly
thread their movements through tangled twigs, creepers and
foliage. That classic trait makes
Malkohas known for behaving in a squirrel like manner along
branches and trying to hide among the thick vegetation.
Particularly active in the morning and early afternoon.
Overall their action can be described as
slow. Then with rounded wings, they are not strong flier. They
rather hop from branch to branch until it reaches the top of a
tree. From a vantage point , they will glide slowly and directly
to another point. Usually is short distances. While doing so the
wings produce a soft hum. Ironically, many a times, I was
alerted to their presence by this hum.
As mentioned, they are classified in the
same grouping as Cuckoo, unlike the famed Cuckoo's breeding
habit, Malkohas have their own nest. A very basic and simple
patch of twigs and leaves. The young are taken care of by both
parents. Another fact is that the young leave the nest before
they could fly. Perhaps this is where
they acquired a skill and habit of creeping along branches.
One of the most attractive
birds in the Malaysian forest are the Malkohas. Large in size
and easy to spot. Very brief flight from one branch to another
and then it lies in wait. Happy to meet up with them as they are
larger than most birds. Happy they stay long enough for me to
get a closer watch. The down side - as they have a habit of
staying motionless for a while they tend to crawl and get
concealed behind obstacles. So getting a pictures of a full
view bird is not easy. Otherwise they are not in a hurry to stay
away from humans.
