Ceuthmochares facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ceuthmochares
Green malkoha (Ceuthmochares australis)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Cuculiformes
Family:	Cuculidae
Genus:	Ceuthmochares Cabanis & Heine, 1863
Type species
Cuculus aereus Vieillot, 1817

Ceuthmochares is a group of two cool bird species called cuckoos. They belong to the Cuculidae family. These birds were once thought to be just one species, known as the yellowbill. Both types of Ceuthmochares live in thick evergreen forests in Africa. Even though they are cuckoos, they are special! Unlike many other cuckoos, they do not lay their eggs in the nests of other birds. They build their own nests and raise their own chicks.

Meet the Ceuthmochares Cuckoos

There are two main species in the Ceuthmochares group. Both were first described by different scientists many years ago. They are found in different parts of Africa.

The Blue Malkoha

The Blue malkoha (scientific name: Ceuthmochares aereus) is a fascinating bird. It was first described by Vieillot in 1817.

Where it Lives

This cuckoo lives in the tropical rainforests of Africa. You can find it in many countries across the continent.

Conservation Status

The Blue Malkoha is listed as "Least Concern" (LC) by the IUCN. This means its population is stable and not currently at risk.

A Blue Malkoha, a type of cuckoo that builds its own nest.

Subspecies

The Blue Malkoha has two known subspecies:

• C. a. flavirostris
• C. a. aereus

The Green Malkoha

The Green malkoha (scientific name: Ceuthmochares australis) is the second species. It was first described by Sharpe in 1873.

Where it Lives

This bird prefers the coastal areas of eastern Africa. Its range stretches from Kenya all the way down to South Africa.

Conservation Status

Like its relative, the Green Malkoha is also listed as "Least Concern" (LC) by the IUCN. This is good news for this species!

The Green Malkoha, also known as the yellowbill.