Asian Koel

Eudynamys scolopaceus

Order:

Cuculiformes

Family:

Cuculidae

Size:

39-46 cm

Weight:

136-190 g

Taxonomy:

E. s. scolopaceus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Short Description:

The Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus) is a medium-sized cuckoo species found in Pakistan. Males are glossy black with striking red eyes, while females have a brownish plumage with white and buff markings. Both genders have a long tail and a distinctive curved bill.

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast

In Pakistan, the Asian Koel is distributed across various habitats including forests, woodlands, parks, gardens, and urban areas. It is commonly found throughout the country, including Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan.

Asian Koels are known for their distinctive call, a series of loud, ascending “ko-el” notes, which males use to establish territory and attract mates during the breeding season. They are brood parasites, laying their eggs in the nests of other bird species, particularly crows. Their diet primarily consists of fruits, berries, and insects. They are often observed foraging in trees and shrubs, using their strong bill to extract food. During the breeding season, males can be territorial and aggressive towards intruders. Overall, the Asian Koel plays a significant ecological role as a seed disperser and contributes to the biodiversity of Pakistan’s avifauna.