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The Blue-faced Malkoha, or Phaenicophaeus viridirostris, is a non-parasitic member of the cuckoo family. This bird is distinguished by its waxy, dark blue-grey upperparts and a long tail adorned with graduated feathers tipped in white. Its throat and chin are dark, featuring spiny pale feathers that are branched, while the lower belly transitions to a dull creamy or rufous hue. A striking feature is the apple green bill, complemented by a naked patch of blue skin encircling the eye. Both sexes share a similar external appearance.
Adult Blue-faced Malkohas measure approximately 39 cm in length. They possess a dark grey back and head with an oily green or blue sheen, and their dark tail feathers are conspicuously tipped with white. The belly ranges from pale ochre to grey. The chin and throat feathers are unique, being branched with pointed, slightly yellowish tips, giving a streaked and spiny look. The eye is encircled by a large blue patch, with a white-fringed red iris. Juveniles can be identified by their duller upperparts and occasional brown wing feathers.
This species thrives in open forests and scrub jungle, favoring environments such as scrub and deciduous forests.
The Blue-faced Malkoha is native to peninsular India, extending south from Baroda and Cuttack, and inhabits a variety of habitats including semi-evergreen, dry deciduous, and open scrub forests. In Sri Lanka, it is typically found in the plains.
