Asian Koel (family)

Description:

This series is a little unusual. I always thought (and have seen) that Asian Koels parasitize Crows. As chicks these even " speak crow" in a rasping kind of imitation of a caw. As semi-fledglings the mother crow continues to feed it. However, this time I saw a definite Koel family; something I never thought existed!

Habitat:

I always put out fruits etc., for birds and at times have had 3 male Koels and 2 females at the feeding table. This time hardly had a fledgling (identified by the tiny white dots on its wings as you can see in the first photo) come down to feed that it began to rain. It flew to shelter in the foliage of my neighbours rooftop terrace garden...and then, I noticed (presumably) the parent birds (2 nd photo) keeping an eye out for their 'chick.' It was a short spell of rain and the Mom (speckled adult) came down to feed with the fledgling. The male bird (totally black plumage) perched on the electric line and kept watch. Usually these birds are quarrelsome and do not feed together with mates or with other species. This time the female perched close to the fledgling (4 th and 5 th photos) till it finished eating. then, they flew away together. I have never seen this behaviour in Koels before...an approximation of parental care.

Notes:

The young bird was more darkly coloured than the adults; especially the crown of the head. It's legs were also heavily barred.