Birds of the Central Coast of NSW
Common Name: Koel
Scientific Name: Eudynamys scolopacea
Male Koel feeding. The call of the Koel can be heard on summer evenings from the top of tall trees. This accompanied by fading light makes a photo difficult but they have distinctive red eyes and long tails.
I had just parked at Lakes Beach Surf club when I saw this one land in a small tree where I approached with some stealth, Lakes Beach Surf Club, Dec 2012.
The female landed in the tree and started to fed as well. Notice her tail is pulled forward as a counter balance which makes it look smaller than it is, Lakes Beach Surf Club, Dec 2012.
I have often heard that:
"Koels are some mongrel cuckoo from New Guinea & Asia that get native birds to raise their young"
This is only partly true and the statement has to be examined;
They are Cuckoos but If their young are born in Australia and raised by foster parents like Wattlebirds then they are Aussies born & bred. Just because they re-join their parents and go to New Guinea or Asia to avoid the cold winters just means they are migratory Australians with a bad attitude.
Male Koel at The Entrance Oct 2013.
Female Koel at The Entrance Oct 2013.
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