Pacific koel

The Pacific koel (Eudynamys orientalis), also known as the eastern koel or formerly common koel, is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. In Australia, it is colloquially known as the rainbird or stormbird, as its call is usually more prevalent before or during stormy weather.

Pacific koel
Male
Female
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Clade: Dinosauria
Class: Aves
Order: Cuculiformes
Family: Cuculidae
Genus: Eudynamys
Species:
E. orientalis
Binomial name
Eudynamys orientalis
(Linnaeus, 1766)
Distribution of the Pacific koel in turquoise (also outside the map in southeast Australia)
Synonyms

Cuculus orientalis Linnaeus, 1766

Taxonomy

It has often been considered conspecific with the Asian and black-billed koels, but they are increasingly treated as a separate species.[2][3] Alternatively, the population breeding in Australia has been considered a separate species, the Australian Koel (Eudynamys cyanocephalus[4]), with the remaining taxa then considered subspecies of the Asian koel.[5]

Distribution and habitat

The Pacific koel is found in forest, woodland, plantations and gardens from Wallacea east to the Solomon Islands and south to northern and eastern Australia. The Pacific koel has not been rated by IUCN, but the Australian Koel (here included in the Pacific koel) is considered to be of Least Concern.[1]

Behaviour

The Pacific koel is a brood parasite. In Australia, their hosts are mainly large honeyeaters (especially noisy friarbirds and red wattlebirds).[6] Unlike in other parasitic cuckoos, the young do not attempt to kill the host chicks. This trait is shared with the channel-billed cuckoo, which – as in the Pacific koel – are largely frugivorous as adults.[7] A study of vocalization noted that the duetting behaviour may indicate the possibility of short-term pair-bonding in its otherwise polygynous mating system.[8]

In Australia, the presence of the species is regarded as a sign of the arrival of spring and the rainy season. It is also viewed as a nuisance due to the males' incessant calling throughout the day and night.[9][10] The calls indicate the start of breeding season and males would call repeatedly to mark their territory or communicate their availability to other females.[11]

Identification

The Pacific Koel can be identified by its black plumage, often tinted with blue and green, and red eye. Like most animals the Pacific Koel is subject to Sexual dimorphism as its females sport brown plumage along their back with white spots and their underbellies are often cream coloured with fine black stripes. While young birds resemble the female they have dark eyes.

  • Female Pacific koel having a snack
    Female Pacific koel having a snack
  • Female, then male feeding on fruit in southeast Queensland, Australia
  • Juvenile being fed. Gympie, Queensland, Australia

References
  1. BirdLife International (2016). "Eudynamys orientalis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T61432919A95168223. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T61432919A95168223.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. Gill, F., Wright, M. & Donsker, D. (2009). IOC World Bird Names (version 2.0). Accessed 21-04-2009.
  3. Christidis, L. & Boles, W. E. (2008). Systematics and Taxonomy of Australian Birds. ISBN 978-0-643-06511-6
  4. David, N., & Gosselin, M. (2002). The grammatical gender of avian genera. Bull B.O.C. 122: 257-282.
  5. Clements, J. F. (2007). The Clements Checklist of the Birds of the World. 7th edition. Christopher Helm. ISBN 978-0-7136-8695-1
  6. Payne, R. B. (2005). The Cuckoos. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-850213-3.
  7. Broom, M., Ruxton, G. D., & Kilner, R. M. (2007). Host life-history strategies and the evolution of chick-killing by brood parasitic offspring. Behavioral Ecology doi:10.1093/beheco/arm096 Full text.
  8. Maller, C. J., & Jones, D. N. (2001). Vocal behaviour of the Common Koel, Eudynamys scolopacea, and implications for mating systems. Emu 101(2):105-112
  9. "Devil bird': why the midnight cooee calls of the koel are driving Australians 'insane' this year". The Guardian. 8 November 2022.
  10. "Haunting call of common koel each spring cements bird's place in childhood memories". ABC News. 23 October 2017.
  11. "Koel spring mating call drives residents crazy". The Daily Telegraph. 26 September 2017.
  • Payne, R. B. (1997) Eudynamys scolopacea (Common Koel). pp. 570–571 in: del Hoyo, J.; Elliot, A. & Christie, D. (editors). (1997). Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 4: Sandgrouse to Cuckoos. Lynx Edicions. ISBN 84-87334-22-9
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