Fauna
Bird

Asian Koel

Eudynamys scolopaceus

Also known as Common Koel, Indian Koel

Asian koels are large, long-tailed cuckoos famous for the loud, rising call of the males during the breeding season. Males sport a glossy bluish-black plumage with striking crimson eyes, while females are heavily spotted and barred in brown and white. Unlike most cuckoos, adults feed almost exclusively on fruit, though they rely on insect-eating hosts like crows to raise their young.

VocalBrood ParasiteFrugivorous
Asian Koel reference
(c) sunnyjosef, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by sunnyjosef · cc-by
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyFigs, Berries, Caterpillars
Predators
  • House Crow
  • Large-billed Crow
  • Raptors
ThreatsPesticide use reducing host bird populations and habitat loss from extreme urbanization
HabitatsOpen woodlands, gardens, urban parks, agricultural areas, and shrublands
Life span12 to 15 years
Classification
  1. FamilyCuculidae
  2. SpeciesEudynamys scolopaceus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Capable of delivering a sharp peck if cornered or handled; observe from a respectful distance.
Responsible observation
  • Listen for calls: Locate them by listening for the male's loud, repetitive, rising 'ko-el' call, especially at dawn.
  • Scan fruit trees: Look for them in fruiting canopy trees, where they often feed quietly alongside other birds.
  • Watch crow nests: Observe nesting crows to spot female koels sneaking in to lay eggs.
Related species
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