Asian Koel

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Asian Koel
Male and juvenile Asian Koel

The male Asian Koel might be mistaken for a crow by a normal person, but this rather large cuckoo can be distinguished by its broader tail, ivory-colored bill and striking red eyes which are visible up close. Juveniles lack the red eyes and females are primarily brown with paler streaks and spots. Unlike many native cuckoos, it avoids dense forests and instead seems to thrive in human settlements such as suburban areas, villages and agricultural lands.

Asian Koel
Female Asian Koel

During the breeding season, the male becomes especially vocal, emitting its loud, distinctive call that sounds like its namesake, ko-el. Its call has also earned it local names, such as Kaa-waw bird in Thailand, Sewah Tahu in Malaysia and Burung Tuwur in Indonesia.

As a brood parasite, this bird lays its eggs in the nests of other species, particularly crows and mynas, which share the same habitat. This breeding strategy allows it to conserve valuable energy that would otherwise be spent on activities like building a nest and feeding its own chicks. While the host is busy incubating and raising its young, the Koel can focus on foraging or perhaps even laying more eggs in the nests of other hosts.


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