From Opus

Photo by Steve G
Sinharaja, Sri Lanka, July, 2009

Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus

Identification

A large Malkohe (46cm) with a long graduated tail:

• Dark green back
• Green edged with white uppertail
• White belly and undertail, undertail barred black
• Black throat and crown, white lower face
• Large red patch around eye
• Green bill
• Dark iris

Sexes similar; the female has a white iris, juveniles duller

Distribution

Endemic to Sri Lanka.
Regularly seen at Sinharaja and other remaining rain forests.

Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species^[1].

Habitat

Found in tall rain forest. Also in scattered riverine habitats in the dry zone.

Behaviour

Feeds on insects (caterpillars, giant stick insects, mantises) and small vertebrates (eg lizards). May occasionally take berries.
Usually seen solitary, in pairs or small flocks. Joins bird waves.
A shy inhabitant of the tree canopy.

Breeding

Breeds in the first half of the year (and probably also August to September). The nest is a shallow saucer made of grass, twigs and roots. It's placed in a high bush in a forest area with thick undergrowth. Lays 2 to 3 eggs.

References

1. Clements, JF. 2011. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to August 2011. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019. Spreadsheet available at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/downloadable-clements-checklist

• List of references

External Links

• View more images of this species on Orientalbirdimages

http://charlirox-slbirds.blogspot.com/2011/09/watha-rathu-malkoha-red-faced-malkoha.html