The Pacific koel, also known as the eastern koel or formerly common koel, is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. In Australia, it is colloquially known as the rainbird or stormbird.
Region
Australasia and Western Pacific
Typical Environment
Occurs from Wallacea and the Moluccas through New Guinea and nearby islands to the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, and seasonally into northern and eastern Australia. In Australia it is common along the east and north coasts, frequenting urban gardens as well as natural habitats. Prefers rainforest edges, monsoon forests, mangroves, woodlands, and areas with abundant fruiting trees such as figs. It adapts well to human-modified landscapes where fruiting ornamentals are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Pacific koel is a brood-parasitic cuckoo that lays its eggs in the nests of other birds, especially large honeyeaters, magpies, and currawongs. In Australia it is often called the rainbird or stormbird because its loud, repetitive calls commonly precede summer storms. Males call both day and night during the breeding season. As a heavy fruit-eater, it helps disperse the seeds of many native trees, particularly figs.
Temperament
secretive but vocal
Flight Pattern
strong flier with direct, purposeful flight between fruiting trees
Social Behavior
A brood parasite that does not build its own nest; females lay single eggs in the nests of host species. Pairs or small loose associations form during the breeding season, with males calling persistently to attract females. Hosts include friarbirds, currawongs, magpies, miner birds, and other large passerines.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
The male gives a loud, ascending ‘koo-el’ or ‘oo-OO’ call repeated insistently, often at dawn, dusk, and at night. Females produce harsh, chattering and cackling calls. The vocalizations carry over long distances and are a conspicuous feature of the breeding season.
