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Eastern koel
When seen, the male eastern koel is easily identified by its entirely glossy black plumage, tinged with blue and green, and striking red eye. He advertises his presence by a loud ascending whistle or 'koo-el', monotonously repeated (see short video below).
Most koels migrate from Australia to New Guinea and probably eastern Indonesia and even further north, but some remain in northern Australia. In late September and early October each year, common koels arrive in Australia from their northern winter homes to breed. The koels leave southern Australia in about March.
The Common Koel is a brood parasite, that is, it lays its eggs in the nests of other bird species. Common hosts are the red wattlebird, friarbirds, the magpie-lark and figbirds.
40 cm length
The Pacific koel, also known as the eastern koel, is a species of cuckoo in the Cuculidae family. In Australia, it is colloquially known as the ''rainbird'' or ''stormbird'', as its call is usually more prevalent before or during stormy weather.
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