Ah, you’re back for more insights!
Reacquaint yourself with Malcolm, the Red-faced Malkoha
Remember me? Malcolm, the dashing Red-faced Malkoha with a penchant for pondering life’s big questions? We met about 3 years ago? My bright red face, glossy green-black feathers, and flowing tail haven’t changed, but my thoughts… have deepened. Sharing my thoughts makes me feel connected, even in my solitary forest life. The Sinharaja forest continues to inspire my thoughts, with its endless secrets hidden among dense leaves and ancient trees. Sinharaja is more than my home—it’s a place of discovery. Its shadows conceal and protect, while its canopy echoes with soft calls, mine among them: “chook-chook-chook.”

Fun Facts
My days follow a delightful rhythm. Preening comes first—can’t let my plumage lose its shine! Then, it’s a feast of berries, figs, and the occasional crunchy insect. Unlike my freeloading cuckoo cousins, I raise my own young. Nest-building with my partner is a labour of love, and watching our chicks grow from helpless fluffballs into confident fledglings? Oh, it’s the finest reward. As I glide through the forest, I play my part, controlling pests and scattering seeds to keep the ecosystem thriving. So, next time you find yourself in Sri Lanka’s lush forests, watch for a flash of red and a flowing tail. If you hear my soft call, know that Malcolm, the Red-faced Malkoha, is out there, pondering life’s mysteries in the heart of the wild!
Story of the Photo
The Red-faced Malkoha is usually an elusive resident of the Sinharaja Rain Forest, but thanks to its distinctive plumage, you won’t miss it if it decides to break cover. Dilum got a beautiful shot of this bird whilst staying at Explorer by Eco Team in Sinharaja.