Sirkeer Malkoha

The Sirkeer Malkoha, or Sirkeer Cuckoo (Taccocua leschenaultii), presents a striking figure in the dry scrub forests and open woodlands of the Indian subcontinent. This non-parasitic cuckoo is notable for its long tail and the rich olive brown plumage adorning its upper side. A distinctive feature of this species is its curved red beak, which sports a yellow tip, a characteristic that is as functional as it is visually arresting.

Identification Tips

Observers should look for the narrow white streak above the eye, a feature that is particularly visible in the right light. The bird's underside is a warm rufous, contrasting with the greenish gloss of the wings and darker tail feathers. The tail itself is graduated, with the outer feathers being sequentially shorter, and is tipped broadly in white. The legs of the Sirkeer Malkoha are a subtle grey, and the iris of the eye a reddish brown, complementing the overall color scheme of the bird.

Habitat

The Sirkeer Malkoha is typically found in scrub and thin forest habitats, often favoring hilly terrain but generally residing below an altitude of about 1500 meters above sea level.

Distribution

This species is widespread across the sub-Himalayan Indian subcontinent, extending into Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and, more patchily, into Pakistan and Rajasthan. It has been observed that their range expanded into the Sind region in the 1930s, likely due to human alterations to the landscape such as the construction of the Sukkur barrage and the extension of canal irrigation.

Behaviour

The Sirkeer Malkoha is known for its ground foraging behavior, often seen creeping between grasses and bushes or moving across rocky habitats. When disturbed, it may run on the ground with a mongoose-like gait or take to weak flight. Typically very silent, this bird can emit a low buzzing sound or sharp, repeated calls reminiscent of a rose-ringed parakeet when vocalizing.

Song & Calls

The Sirkeer Malkoha's vocal repertoire includes a low buzzing 'zwik', as well as sharp 'kik' or 'kek' sounds, which bear a tonal similarity to the calls of the rose-ringed parakeet.

Breeding

During the breeding season, which spans from March to August, the Sirkeer Malkoha engages in a courtship display that involves pairs bowing with tails splayed and held upright. The display is accompanied by clicking sounds, and the nest is a broad saucer of twigs lined with green leaves. The clutch typically consists of two to three pale yellowish brown eggs.

Similar Species

While the Sirkeer Malkoha is distinctive in its appearance, it may be confused with other long-tailed species in its habitat. Careful observation of its unique beak coloration and tail pattern can aid in correct identification.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Sirkeer Malkoha includes caterpillars, insects, other invertebrates, small vertebrates, and occasionally berries and seeds. Its foraging habits are adapted to its environment, with a preference for ground-level searching.

Conservation status

The Sirkeer Malkoha is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers that would warrant a higher level of concern.