The Asian Koel is a large bird which is found in Southeast Asia and China. It is a shy bird that is more often heard than seen. It typically dwells individually or in pairs, concealing itself within the dense canopy. Female birds are brown with white streaks for camouflage during nesting.Male birds, on the other hand, are glossy black with striking red eyes and a unique, distinctive call. This loud and repetitive “koo-ooo” call is a common sound during the breeding season which is used to attract females. This call is often associated with the onset of the rainy season in parts of South Asia.
Asian Koel is a brood parasite, meaning it does not build nests or raise its own chicks. Instead, it lays its eggs in the nests of other bird species like crows, mynas, etc. The Koel egg, adept at mimicking the color and pattern of the host bird’s eggs, facilitates deception as host birds unwittingly raise Koel chicks alongside their own.
The Asian Koel holds cultural significance in Indian culture, often associated with mythology, folklore, and poems. It is the state bird of Pondicherry.