Asian Koel

1. Bird Name
The bird’s common name is the Asian Koel and its scientific name is Eudynamys scolopaceus.

2. Appearance
The Asian Koel is a bird species with sleek body design and distinctive colorations. The adult male is predominantly glossy black with striking red eyes, while the female Asian Koel flaunts dark brown upperparts, heavily streaked with white spots. The bird’s underside varies from a muted to rich brown and it is also abundantly featured with white streaks. Both sexes have a strong pointed beak perfect for their diet and a lot of hairs on the bodies. The difference in plumage between males and females allows easy identification of the sexes.

3. Size
Asian Koels are medium-sized birds, with average lengths ranging from 39 to 46 cm (15 to 18 inches). The wingspan generally lies in the specter of 46 to 59 cm (18 to 23 inches), with a weight range from 190 to 327 grams.

4. Habitat & Distribution
The Asian Koel has a broad geographic reach, spanning the Indian Subcontinent, China, Southeast Asia and extending to Australia. This bird prefers habitats of thickets, dense forests, orchards, and gardens.

5. Interesting Facts
Asian Koels are known to be brood parasites, much like cuckoos, laying their eggs in the nests of other bird species. They are also known for their distinctive and persistent calls, especially during the breeding season. Additionally, they are regarded as symbols of upcoming spring or the start of festivities in regions like India due to their breeding season coinciding with spring.

6. Diet
The Asian Koel is a frugivore bird; its diet predominantly includes banyan, fig, mulberry, and wild date fruits. However, they also sometimes eat insects and caterpillars, especially during the breeding season.

7. Behavior & Sounds
Asian Koels are relatively shy birds, often hiding in foliage. They are known for their distinctive ‘koo-Ooo’ call, which can be heard at any time of the day, but particularly during the morning. Males have a series of repeated ‘koo’ sounds, while females produce a shrill ‘kik-kik-kik’. Asian Koels are solitary birds and do not usually form flocks.

8. Conservation Status
Asian Koels are classified as being of ‘Least Concern’ according to the IUCN Red List. They are relatively widespread and abundant within their range.

9. Lifespan
Asian Koels usually live for an estimated 12-15 years in the wild, although longevity in captivity has not been accurately determined.

10. Additional Notes
In India, the Asian Koel is also locally known as Koel, a word derived from the Hindi language. Their aggressive behavior during the nesting period contributes significantly to local bird ecology by checking the population of host species. Asian Koels play an important role in maintaining a balance in the ecosystem, acting as effective seed dispersers for several plant species.