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.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from the Indian Subcontinent through southern China and mainland Southeast Asia, extending to many coastal and island areas in the region. It inhabits open woodlands, forest edges, secondary growth, mangroves, plantations, orchards, parks and gardens. The species adapts well to human-modified landscapes where fruiting trees are abundant. Presence often tracks the breeding seasons of host species, particularly crows.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A brood parasite, the Asian koel lays its eggs in the nests of crows and a few other hosts, which then rear the chicks. Adults are largely frugivorous and are important seed dispersers, especially for figs. The male’s loud, rising “koo-OO” call is iconic across South Asia and often associated with the onset of the monsoon in many regions.
A female of the nominate subspecies
![Adult male of nominate race (West Bengal, India) showing the crimson iris. Young birds have dark irides.[21]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5e/Asian_Koel_%28Eudynamys_scolopacea%29-_Male_close_up_in_Kolkata_I_IMG_7568.jpg/640px-Asian_Koel_%28Eudynamys_scolopacea%29-_Male_close_up_in_Kolkata_I_IMG_7568.jpg)
Adult male of nominate race (West Bengal, India) showing the crimson iris. Young birds have dark irides.[21]
Immature female (nominate race) begging for food.
An Asian koel being fed by a black-collared starling.
Eudynamys scolopaceus in a clutch of Corvus splendens - MHNT
Eudynamys scolopaceus scolopaceus, India
Asian koel at Chandigarh.
Temperament
shy and skulking, highly vocal
Flight Pattern
strong flier with direct flight and brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in loose pairs, becoming conspicuous during the breeding season. A brood parasite, it times egg-laying to coincide with host nesting, commonly targeting crows and sometimes mynas. Females lay in unattended host nests, and the hosts raise the koel chicks.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Males give a loud, repetitive ascending 'koo-OO' or 'ko-el' carrying over long distances, especially at dawn and during the monsoon. Females produce a harsh, rapid 'kik-kik-kik' series and other chattering calls.
