Eastern Koel (male)

Description:

The Eastern Koel (aka Pacific Koel and Common Koel) is a member of the cuckoo family. It is also a brood parasite, that is, it lays its eggs in the nests of other bird species, but unlike other parasitic cuckoos, the young do not attempt to kill the host chicks. The male bird is easily identified by its entirely glossy black plumage, tinged with blue and green, and striking red eye. The female has glossed brown upperparts, heavily spotted with white, and a black crown. The underparts are generally buff-cream with numerous fine black bars. Young birds resemble the adult female, but have considerably more buff and a dark eye. In this spotting, the bird's tail feathers are very ragged. Perhaps it's an older bird, or it was attacked by other birds. It's the first time I've spotted this species in my yard, and it was only because I could hear its unusual call that I was made aware of its presence.

Habitat:

They are usually found in tall forests and are becoming more common in suburban areas. This spotting was in a suburban backyard in inner-city Brisbane.

Notes:

In Australia, it is colloquially known as the Rainbird or Stormbird, as its call is usually more prevalent before or during stormy weather.