Red-Faced Malkoha-Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus

[indunil]

Name - The Red-Faced Malkoha-Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus
Local Name - Name - Watha Rathu MalKoha-(Use in Sri Lanka)

It inhabits tall forest, and lives either solitary, in pairs, or in small flocks. It is shy and restless, a dweller in the tree canopy, where, like the last species, it cleverly threads its way through tangled twigs, creepers and foliage.

The breeding season is in the first half of the year and probably again in August-September. The nest is described as a shallow saucer of grass, roots and twigs, very carelessly put together, and placed in high bushes in forest with thick undergrowth. The two or three eggs are white, with a chalky surface, and they measure about 35.8 X 27 mm.

The Red-Faced Malkoha is regularly seen at Sinharaja and few other remaining rain forests, frequents associating with feeding waves. It is also found in scattered riverine habitats in the dry zone, such as Lahugala, Wasgamuwa, Manik Ganga and Kubukkan Oya

Body shape like Ceylon Blue Magpie same as much longer tail. Sexes alike, except that the female has white irides-those of the male being brown. This handsome bird cannot mistaken for any other species on the Sri Lankan list

Length of body = 8.25 inches(20cm)

Length of wing = 4.2 -4.4 inches

Length of tail = 3.1-3.5 inches

Length of beak= 1.25 inches

Endemic & Threatened Birds in Sri Lanka

[Neil Rigby]

A very attractive bird. Never seen one of those before.

Thanks for posting it up.

[indunil]

Yes Mr Rigby it’s very rear in Sri Lanka Too,it’s shy & love thick forest tall tree canopy
Threatened Birds in Sri Lanka

[indunil]

Red Faced Malkoha-Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus - (pennant 1769)

[Maggie28]

Terrific picture there of a very nice looking bird.
Hope they survive ok.

[indunil]

It’s surviving but threaten species,