Sirkeer malkoha

Matanga Hill, Hampi, Karnataka

Sirkeer malkoha was always been into my wishlist. Never thought I would get to see this bird in Hampi. I knew the habitat somewhat but after going to Hampi I understood the habitat more. It was not so difficult to get this bird in Hampi that I came to know. It respond to the call very well. Trees with dry branches and leaf is it's suitable habitat, also the big rocky surface. First time I saw it's movement on the ground, it turned out to be funny to me. It crawl like a squirrel.

I hope you can find the bird in 3rd picture inside the dry branches. Even though it has a lot of camouflage, but due to its size you won't miss out it;s movement. Also it's red lips attracted me more, I recall the bird Red-billed leiothrix. So far I know, one can find Sirkeer Malkoha in Purulia, West Bengal because it has almost same rocky, and dry Habitat like Karnataka. Both has plateau and people find it in same habitat now and then.

Malamath's Eco stay, Hampi, Karnataka

I was constantly watching it's hunting on the ground beside Malemath's eco stay. It jumped, hopped, fought with insects, look outside the grass if someone watching, being so restless, I enjoyed the most. It was there on the ground almost 20 min doing the same activity in afternoon around 3:30 pm.

Then it saw me suddenly and start moving out of the grass, crawling on the ground seems like no one can see it. After a few steps it looked back and see if I am still watching at him. Then he appeared so far on the open ground and flew away. The entire drama was memorable to me,