Asian Koel
Eudynamys scolopaceus
The Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus) is a common cuckoo found in 29 countries, weighing about 195 g. The Asian koel is a member of the cuckoo family of birds, the Cuculidae.
About the Asian Koel
The Asian koel is a member of the cuckoo family of birds, the Cuculidae. It is found in the Indian subcontinent, China, and Southeast Asia. It forms a superspecies with the closely related black-billed koels, and Pacific koels which are sometimes treated as subspecies. The Asian koel, like many of its related cuckoo kin, is a brood parasite that lays its eggs in the nests of crows and other hosts, who raise its young. They are unusual among the cuckoos in being largely frugivorous as adults. The name koel is echoic in origin with several language variants. The bird is a widely used symbol in Indian, Pakistani and Nepali poetry.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The Asian koel is a large and long-tailed cuckoo measuring 39–46 cm (15–18 in) and weighing 190–327 g (6.7–11.5 oz). The male of the nominate race is glossy bluish-black, with a pale greenish grey bill, the iris is crimson, and it has grey legs and feet. The female of the nominate race is brownish on the crown and has rufous streaks on the head. The back, rump and wing coverts are dark brown with white and buff spots. The underparts are whitish, but is heavily striped. The other subspecies differ in colouration and size.
What the Asian Koel sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Japan, Papua New Guinea, Kuwait.
When to see it
The Asian Koel can be seen all year round, with peak activity in February. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify an Asian Koel?
- The Asian koel is a large and long-tailed cuckoo measuring 39–46 cm (15–18 in) and weighing 190–327 g (6.7–11.5 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is an Asian Koel?
- The Asian Koel is a medium sized bird weighing about 195 g.
- Where can you see an Asian Koel?
- The Asian Koel occurs in 29 countries, including India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Hong Kong SAR China.
- What does an Asian Koel sound like?
- You can listen to 3 field recordings of the Asian Koel on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to an Asian Koel?
- The Asian Koel is most easily confused with the Pacific Koel.
Learn the Asian Koel for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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