sirkeer malkoha

The Sirkeer Malkoha (Taccocua leschenaultii) is a distinctive and somewhat elusive member of the cuckoo family (Cuculidae). Unlike many of its relatives that are known for brood parasitism, the Sirkeer Malkoha is a non-parasitic bird that raises its own young. Primarily found in the Indian subcontinent, this bird is known for its terrestrial lifestyle and striking facial features.

Measuring approximately 42 cm in length, the Sirkeer Malkoha has a robust build and a very long, graduated tail with white tips. Its plumage is a blend of sandy-brown and earthy-grey, which serves as excellent camouflage. Its most defining features are its bright red bill with a yellow tip and the prominent black bristles around its eyes, giving it a unique, rugged appearance.

This species prefers dry scrub forests, thorny jungles, and open deciduous woodlands. It is well-adapted to arid and semi-arid regions, often found in rocky hillsides with scattered bushes and secondary growth. It avoids dense, evergreen rainforests, preferring landscapes where it can easily navigate the ground.

The Sirkeer Malkoha is an opportunistic feeder that primarily hunts on the ground. Its diet includes:

• Large insects: Grasshoppers, mantises, and crickets.
• Invertebrates: Caterpillars, beetles, and snails.
• Small vertebrates: Occasional lizards and frogs.
• Plant matter: Wild berries and small fruits during certain seasons.

Unlike the Common Cuckoo, the Sirkeer Malkoha is a non-parasitic breeder. It builds its own nest, which is typically a shallow cup made of twigs and lined with green leaves. The nest is usually well-hidden in a thorny thicket or a low tree, about 2 to 6 meters above the ground. A clutch typically consists of 2 or 3 chalky white eggs.

The Sirkeer Malkoha is largely terrestrial and is often seen running swiftly through the undergrowth, a behavior that resembles a pheasant or even a mongoose. It is a shy, secretive bird that prefers to skulk in the shadows of bushes. While it is capable of flight, its movements are generally heavy and it prefers to escape danger by running rather than flying.

The Sirkeer Malkoha is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. While the population is not considered globally threatened, it faces localized pressure from habitat destruction, specifically the clearing of scrublands for agriculture and urban development.

1. The name 'Malkoha' comes from the Sinhala words for 'flower' and 'cuckoo'.
2. Despite being a cuckoo, it never lays its eggs in other birds' nests.
3. It is sometimes called the 'Sirkeer Cuckoo' and was named after the French botanist Jean-Baptiste Leschenault de La Tour.
4. Its long tail helps it maintain balance while running fast through dense, thorny bushes.

To spot a Sirkeer Malkoha, focus your search on dry, rocky scrublands during the early morning or late afternoon. Because it stays low to the ground, scan the base of bushes rather than the treetops. Look for its bright red bill, which often stands out even in dim light. It is often silent, so visual tracking is more effective than listening for calls.

The Sirkeer Malkoha is a fascinating example of avian diversity within the cuckoo family. Its transition to a ground-dwelling, self-nesting lifestyle makes it a unique subject for bird enthusiasts and researchers alike. Protecting the dry scrub habitats of South Asia remains vital for the continued survival of this striking species.