Family

Cuculidae

Genus

Eudynamys

Species

scolopacea

Common Names

Common Koel, Cooee Bird, Rain Bird, Storm Bird

Distinguishing Features

This slender species is fairly large at 40-46cm in size. They have long, round tipped tails, thick grey bills and bright red eyes. Male birds have a striking, glossy appearance of blue and green plumage. Females have dark to light brown plumage across their head, body, wings and tail, with white spots throughout. Their underparts are light with darker streaks. Young birds resemble females with brown eyes.

Survey Techniques

Calls are usually the easiest way to detect this species. Some visual identification is also used.

Species Call

Males: a far-carrying, musical 'koo-eel'. Females: shrieking 'quieek-quieek' whistles.

Similar Species

Spanked Drongos (Dicrurus bracteatus) are glossy and dark with an outward curved tail.

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Distribution

Within Australia, this species is mostly found along the coastal regions of NSW, QLD and NT. It is seen less commonly further inland from these regions and into VIC. Globally, they are found across India through SE Asia to southern China, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

Country of Origin

The birds originally spread from India, however the birds that migrate to Australia are likely to be coming from Papua New Guinea.

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

Low numbers of birds only visit the Canberra region from October to February (COG).

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999.

LSCCES Population

Three sightings were made in Turner.

Associated vegetation community

Common Koels need warm environments, preferring rainforest and wet eucalypt forest, but also inhabiting farmland, woodland and garden areas.

Limiting Resources

This species requires a warm climate and an abundance of fruit bearing trees and trees with thick, leafy canopies. Successful breeding is dependant on the abundance of the nests of other bird species such as Noisy Friarbirds (Philemon corniculatus ) and Magpie -larks (Grallina cyanoleuca ).

Breeding

Male birds chase females in the breeding season, which takes place from September to February. The Koel will use the active nests of other small birds, including the nests of Figbirds (Sphecotheres viridis), Noisy Friarbirds (Philemon corniculatus ) and Magpie -larks (Grallina cyanoleuca ). The birds lay their one large, pink-cream, spotty egg and remove one of the host's eggs. The Koel egg hatches earlier than the other eggs and then pushes all the other eggs out of nest, taking all the food from the foster parents. The young birds leave the nest after 35 days, then perching on a nearby branch and continuing to demand food from its smaller foster parents.

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Behaviour

This species migrates into Australia from Papua New Guinea for the warmer months of October to February. Koels are usually very shy and only call during the summer breeding season, when males are known to make their noisy 'coo-ee' call day and night. Birds are found alone, in pairs or in small groups.

Functional Group

Omnivore

Food Species

The Common Koel will eat a variety of fruits from native or introduced trees and bushes, especially figs (Ficus carica). Some insects and small invertebrates are also eaten from the undersides of leaves, including caterpillars.

Predators

This species is less likely to be prone to attacks from feral or domestic animals due to its large size and preference for high tree canopies. However, Cats (Felis Catus) may attack young birds.

Interesting Fact

The breeding season sends the males into a crazy state, chasing female birds and calling loudly and constantly over day and night.

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