Koel is a noun that refers to a medium-sized bird belonging to the Cuculidae family, also known as the cuckoo family. The word is derived from the Hindi word "koyal," which is used to describe this particular bird. Koels can be found in various regions of the world, primarily in Asia and the Pacific, including India, Australia, and Southeast Asia.
These birds have a distinctive appearance, characterized by their long and slender bodies, rounded wings, and a curved bill. Their plumage differs between male and female, with males often displaying glossy black feathers, while females exhibit a more subdued, gray-brown coloration. In addition to their appearance, koels are known for their unique and melodious calls, which are often heard during the breeding season.
Koels are primarily frugivorous, meaning they primarily consume fruits, but they are also known to feed on insects, caterpillars, and other small invertebrates. They are considered brood parasites, meaning they lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species. The host birds then unknowingly raise the koel chicks as their own, often to the detriment of their own offspring.
Koels play a significant ecological role as seed dispersers due to their frugivorous diet. Their distinct calls and unique breeding behavior have also made them a subject of folklore and cultural significance in various societies. In some regions, their arrival is even considered a sign of the onset of seasonal changes, particularly the arrival of monsoon rains.
