It was formerly often placed in Phaenicophaeus with the other malkohas, but it is a rather distinct species, with several autapomorphies and sexual dimorphism (which its presumed relatives all lack).

It might not even be very closely related to the true malkohas, but form a very basal lineage of cuckoos; in any case, its placement in a monotypic genus Rhinortha is well warranted.

It is found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Thailand.

Its diet consists of insects, including caterpillars, cicadas, crickets, beetles, and locusts.

[2] During courtship, the male Raffles's malkoha has been observed to stand on the base of the female's outstretched wings and hold a frog in its bill.