About Rhinortha chlorophaea (Raffles, 1822)
Raffles's malkoha, with the scientific name Rhinortha chlorophaea, is a cuckoo species in the family Cuculidae. It was historically often grouped with other malkohas in the genus Phaenicophaeus, but it is not very closely related to true malkohas. This species has several unique derived traits (autapomorphies) and sexual dimorphism, features that are not seen in its previously assumed close relatives. It can be found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand. While it once occurred in Singapore, it is now considered extirpated there. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. Its diet is made up of various insects, including caterpillars, cicadas, crickets, beetles, and locusts. During courtship, male Raffles's malkohas have been observed standing at the base of a female's outstretched wings while holding a frog in their bill. It remains unknown whether the frog is a courtship gift to the female or if the male retains it after the interaction.
