Chestnut-breasted Malkoha

Identification

The chestnut-breasted malkoha is a large cuckoo measuring 42–49 cm in length, making it unmistakable in its Southeast Asian range. Its most distinctive feature is a prominent curved, pale yellow upper mandible contrasting with a darker red or black lower mandible. The head is grey, the wings are dark green (fading to blue with age), and the underparts and rump are warm chestnut—the namesake feature that identifies this species at a glance. A bare red patch of rough skin around the eye adds character to its face. Males and females are similar in plumage, though males display a pale blue iris while females have yellow eyes. The dark grey feet complete a striking overall appearance.

Range & Habitat

Found across Southeast Asia from Myanmar through Thailand, Malaysia, and Sumatra, this species also inhabits Brunei, Indonesia, Borneo, Bali, Java, and the western Philippine islands including Palawan and its satellite islands. Five recognized subspecies reflect this wide distribution. The chestnut-breasted malkoha favours subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests as well as mangrove forests, typically spending most of its time in the middle storey amid dense foliage where it remains relatively inconspicuous despite its large size. Unfortunately, much of its forest habitat is being cleared, making it important to seek out protected forest reserves.

Behaviour & Diet

Unlike the majority of cuckoos, which are nest parasites, the chestnut-breasted malkoha is a responsible parent that builds its own nest and raises its own young. It hunts a varied diet of small vertebrates including small lizards, frogs, and baby birds, supplemented by a wide range of insects: caterpillars, grasshoppers, cicadas, stick insects, mantises, cockroaches, beetles, bugs, and spiders, as well as small crabs. This opportunistic feeding strategy allows it to thrive in forested environments where prey diversity is high.

Best Time & Places to See It

Breeding season varies across its range: in Borneo it occurs from August to December, while in other parts of Southeast Asia it extends from January to September. During breeding, pairs become more vocal and active as they build substantial nests of small branches and twigs and raise their young. Visiting protected lowland and mangrove forests during these periods offers the best chance of encounters. Look in the middle storey of dense forest, particularly where foliage is thickest, and listen for calling birds during early morning hours.

Photography Tips

The pale curved mandible and red orbital patch provide excellent contrasting subjects for close-up photography. Position yourself to capture the profile view of the head, which best showcases the distinctive curved bill. The chestnut underparts photograph well in soft, diffused light, which reveals the warm coloration without harsh shadows. Since this species frequents the middle storey, a sturdy tripod and patience are essential; early mornings when birds are more active will reward persistent photographers with better opportunities to frame feeding or nesting behaviour.