Black-bellied Malkoha – less often seen and photographed

“The Black-bellied Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus diardi diardi) (above, below) is said to be seen and photographed less often as it is more ”shy’ than the commonly seen Green-billed Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus tristis longicaudatus). These birds can, at a quick look, be mistaken for each other and their habitat overlap.

“The key differentiating features are:
1. Tail length: The Black-bellied has a tail length about equal to the body while the Green-billed has a longer 1:1.5 times body-tail length. The Handbook of the Birds of the World & Cuckoos of the World (2012) now calls it the Long-tailed Malkoha. (see composite below – Black-bellied Malkoha is on the right).

2. Face patch: The Green-billed often has a clear white boarder to the red face patch, while the Black-bellied does not (below).

3. Head: The Black-bellied had a darker grey in the head and neck while the Green-billed has slaty grey on the face and neck.

4. Iris colour: Pale blue to dark brown in the Black-bellied and brown to red-brown in the Green-billed.

“An edited section of calls made by this Black-bellied Malkoha can be heard HERE. Below shows the sonogram and waveform.

“The literature on calls suggest ‘pauk’ or ‘gwaup’ sounding calls.”

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
4th May 2015

Location: Malim Nawar Wetlands, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: Extensive ex-tin mining area with extensive pond/lakes, wetlands, fish farming