Sirkeer Malkoha

1. Bird Name

The bird species in focus for this article is Sirkeer Malkoha, scientifically known as Taccocua leschenaultii.

2. Appearance

In terms of appearance, the Sirkeer Malkoha is an attractive bird with a dense, rufous-brown plumage interspersed with green and white. This bird gets its name from the crest or “malkoha” on its head, which is basically a fanned-out bundle of feathers. For the Sirkeer Malkoha, this crest is a striking blue-black color. The bird’s long tail adds a distinct elegance to its silhouette. The tail is mainly colored green with white tips and black bands. Females tend to be slightly duller than the male counterparts, but differences are minor. The bird has a sturdy, arched bill that is greenish at the base and black at the tip. Their eyes are generally brown.

3. Size

The average length of the Sirkeer Malkoha ranges from 39 to 42 cm (15.3 – 16.5 inches). Unfortunately, specific data about its wingspan and weight range are not extensively documented.

4. Habitat & Distribution

Sirkeer Malkoha can be found in the southern parts of Asia, specifically in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. These birds prefer lowland scrub bushes, thorny forests, deciduous and bamboo plantations, rather than dense forested areas.

5. Interesting Facts

A couple of fascinating facts about the Sirkeer Malkoha include their highly secretive nature, often moving stealthily through the brush making them quite challenging to spot. They also lay their eggs in the nests of crows and cuckoos rather than building their own!

6. Diet

Predominantly insectivorous, the Sirkeer Malkoha has a diet comprising largely of insects, caterpillars, and small reptiles. They also gnaw on berries and seeds occasionally.

7. Behavior & Sounds

They are solitary birds and are most active during the early mornings and late afternoons. Known for their peculiar hopping movements, they have a distinctive flight, characterized by the occasional flaps and long glides. They emit a variety of sounds; a characteristic call is a ‘kik-kik-kik’ sound.

8. Conservation Status

The conservation status of the Sirkeer Malkoha according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is of Least Concern (LC). However, the species’ population trend is decreasing due to habitat destruction and fragmentation.

9. Lifespan

The lifespan of the Sirkeer Malkoha isn’t explicitly documented but related bird species are known to live up to 10 to 15 years in the wild.

10. Additional Notes

Locals often refer to it as the “rainbird”, as its calls often precede rainfall. Inside the ecosystem, these birds are useful pest controllers because of their insectivorous diet. However, it’s their cryptic lifestyle and striking appearance that endear them to birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. Despite their shy demeanor, they are not particularly afraid of humans and can be observed from a fair distance. Nonetheless, the increasing loss of their habitats is a rising issue for their overall population.