Sirkeer Malkoha
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| Phaenicophaeus leschenaultii (Lesson, 1830) |
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Taccocua leschenaltii |
The Sirkeer Malkoha, Phaenicophaeus leschenaultii , is a member of the cuckoo order of birds, the Cuculiformes, which also includes the roadrunners, the anis, and the Hoatzin.
It is restricted to India and Sri Lanka. The Sirkeer Malkoha is a bird of open scrub and thorn jungle. It nests in Euphorbia, the typical clutch being two or three eggs.
This is a largish species at 42 cm. It is mainly sandy in colour, and the long tail is edged with white. Sexes are similar, but juveniles are duller and barred above.
The Sirkeer Malkoha takes a variety of insects, caterpillars and small vertebrates. It occasionally eats berries.
The scientific name of this bird commemorates the French botanist Jean Baptiste Leschenault de la Tour.
[edit] References
- BirdLife International (2004). Phaenicophaeus leschenaultii. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
- Birds of India by Grimmett, Inskipp and Inskipp, ISBN 0-691-04910-6
