Asian Koel

 Asian koel (in Malay, Burung Tuwu)

Koels eat fruits and berries and can be found in semi-wooded areas, often in or near cities. Although they are large birds (length about 40 cm and weight 200 grams) they are quite secretive.  The reason for secrecy is that koels are ‘brood parasites.’ The female does not make her own nest. Instead she lays her eggs in the nest of other birds, known as ‘hosts.’ The most common host in Malaysia is the House Crow. The crow parents have to work harder to raise an extra nestling!

Male koel - looking at the camera.


I walked away and got some squirrel photos.  I returned to get the photo below.  When I left the bird was undisturbed and still singing.


Female koel- different tree, different day.


Close-up


Since there is no nest, there is no territory that needs to be defended.  Therefore, the females move around looking for i) crow nests and ii) boyfriends.  Since females are on the move, male koels have to advertise themselves. Consequently the spend hours calling, ko-el, ko-el, ko-el, …. You can listen to the song here https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/68201891 (recorded by Soh Kam Yung) The breeding season coincides with the monsoon; hence, these birds are also commonly known as rain-birds.

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