Animals Details

Scientific Name
Eudynamys scolopaceus
Category
Aves
Created on Date
2024-10-11 11:47:09
Common Name
Asian Koel
Synonym(s)
Asian Koel
Family
Cuculidae
Status
Live
Description

The Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus) is a large, melodious bird found across South and Southeast Asia. Belonging to the cuckoo family, the Asian Koel is known for its distinctive, loud, repetitive calls, especially during the breeding season. Males and females exhibit significant sexual dimorphism. The male has striking glossy black plumage with a greenish-blue sheen, while the female is speckled with brown and white spots, making her more cryptic in appearance.


Typically measuring between 39–46 cm in length, the Asian Koel has a long tail and red eyes, which are especially vivid in males. This bird is commonly found in wooded areas, gardens, and urban landscapes, adapting well to human-modified environments. The Koel is a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of other birds, particularly crows. The host birds then unknowingly raise the Koel chicks, which often outcompete the host\'s own young.


Its diet mainly consists of fruits, particularly figs, and insects, making it an important seed disperser in its ecosystem. The Asian Koel’s unmistakable call and its role as a brood parasite make it a unique and notable bird species across its range. Despite its parasitic nature, it is a well-loved bird due to its melodious calls.

Location