The Common Koel: A Bird with a Unique Call
The common koel, known for its distinctive melodious call, brings a touch of tropical charm to zoo aviaries. This medium-sized bird, native to South Asia and Australia, is famous for its brood parasitism—it lays its eggs in the nests of other birds, leaving the host to raise its chicks.
In the zoo, the common koel is housed in large aviaries filled with lush greenery and fruiting trees, mimicking its natural environment. Visitors are often enchanted by the koel’s call, a loud, repetitive "kooo-el" sound that can be heard from afar. Educational displays explain the bird's unique reproductive strategy and its role in the ecosystem, such as seed dispersal through its fruit-based diet.
The koel’s glossy black feathers (in males) and speckled brown appearance (in females) make it a striking addition to any zoo’s bird collection. For many, hearing its call is a highlight of their visit, a reminder of the vibrant diversity of the animal kingdom.