EASTERN KOEL

The Eastern Koel, formerly known as the Common Koel, is a bird species native to parts of Asia and Australia.

They can be found in various regions of Australia, primarily along the eastern and northern coasts of the country.

Along the eastern coast of Australia, from northern Queensland down to Victoria, including cities like Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne.

They are also found in the northern parts of Australia, including the Top End of the Northern Territory and northern regions of Western Australia.

They are known to inhabit rainforests, woodlands, and other vegetated areas, where they can find food sources and suitable host bird species for their brood parasitism behavior.

In some areas along the coastline, such as mangrove forests, Eastern Koels can also be spotted.

Adult male Eastern Koels are known for their distinctive black plumage with striking red eyes and a bright red iris. In contrast, the female Eastern Koels are brown with white streaks, making them less conspicuous.

The Eastern Koel is a migratory bird that visits Australia during its breeding season. These birds are known for their distinct, repetitive “koo-el” call, which they use to establish territories and attract mates. The male’s call is often heard during the breeding season. Their distinct and repetitive call, often heard during the breeding season, is a helpful clue for identifying their presence in a particular region.

Eastern Koels are brood parasites, which means they do not build their own nests or raise their young. Instead, they lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species, like crows and currawongs. The host bird species unknowingly raise the Koel chicks alongside their own.

Eastern Koels primarily feed on a diet of fruit, particularly figs, and insects. They are known to consume a variety of fruits, including those from both native and introduced plant species.

In Australia, the breeding season for Eastern Koels typically occurs from September to March, coinciding with the warmer months when food is abundant.

Eastern Koels are found in a range of habitats, including urban areas, rainforests, woodlands, and mangroves. They are quite adaptable to different environments.

In some Australian Indigenous cultures, the call of the Eastern Koel is considered a harbinger of the wet season. The arrival of these birds is believed to coincide with the onset of the monsoon rains.