Home › Aves › Cuculidae › Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus)
SPECIES PROFILE
Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus)
Eudynamys
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Aves
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Indian subcontinent Pakistan China Southeast Asia
DIET
Omnivorous
HABITAT
Light woodland cultivation tropical southern Asia
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Aves
ORDER
Cuculiformes
FAMILY
Cuculidae
GENUS
Eudynamys
📋 Description
SIZE
39-46 cm long 190-327 g
COLORATION
Glossy bluish-black male pale greenish bill crimson iris grey legs female brownish rufous streaks spotted
ADAPTATIONS
Brood parasite lays in host nests frugivorous swallows large fruits transilient moult
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Light woodland cultivation tropical southern Asia
DIET
Omnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Indian subcontinent Pakistan China Southeast Asia
REPRODUCTION
Lays 1 egg in host nests hatches 12-14 days young fledge 20-28 days
DIET DETAILS
Insects caterpillars eggs small vertebrates fruits nectar
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Brood parasitism impacts hosts habitat fragmentation
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Calling Cuckoos: Asian Koels sing with 250-gram bodies eating 50 grams of fruits daily in Bengal's woodlands. Their calls herald summer.
2
Seed Dispersers: These koels cover 4000 sq km in Kochi's gardens parasitizing crow nests. Urban noise affects their breeding.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
West Bengal woodlands
Kochi gardens
Chandigarh urban areas
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
March-September Breeding season improves audibility for spotting koels
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Listen for Asian koels' repetitive calls in trees
