20 January 2014

a bird with many names, the Pacific Koel (Cuckoo)

Just a few mornings ago, the unmistakable call of the Koel - sometimes referred to as Eastern Koel, mostly known as the Common Koel, but also now crowned, the Pacific Koel!  Some will also refer to this bird as the Stormbird, or the Rainbird.


While I've often heard, and seen them flying through the bushland corridor, 7.30 a.m. on this morning, I could see a glossy black male momentarily perched up in the uppermost branches of this Angophora tree.  It was surprising that it didn't take off really, so I'm especially happy to have gotten these record shots.

From BirdLife Australia "usually arriving in September, this bird flies to Australia from New Guinea, Indonesia and possibly the Philippines, remaining until March or April, when they return to their non-breeding grounds."



those red eyes are pretty amazing aren't they?

and this is what makes for early risers in the neighbourhoods they frequent!

I hope you'll go to Graeme Chapman's (ornithologist) page and hear the varying raucous sounds of the Koels.  They're common-place bird-calls around here for months.



Juvenile Koel, October 2013


and if you hadn't seen this post from March 2012 you will see one juvenile Koel that had been reared by a Little Wattlebird

16 comments:

Seraphinas Phantasie said...

This black bird with the red eyes are beautiful. Your photos are amazing !
Best regards, Synnöve

eileeninmd said...

Carole, the Koel is a beautiful black bird. I love those red eyes. Wonderful photos. Have a happy week ahead!

Irma said...

This bird looks great with his red eyes.
Perfect photographed, Carole.
Have a great week.

Elizabeth Edwards said...

i really enjoy the coloring of the juvenile ... so speckled. ( :

Montanagirl said...

Amazing captures, Carole! Love that red eye.

TexWisGirl said...

they're just gorgeous!

EG CameraGirl said...

The juveniles look so amazingly different from the parent! Yes, the adult's red eyes are stunning.

John @ Beans and I on the Loose said...

I like than black sheen which really sets off the eyes. The sounds are so exotic.

Jan Castle said...

Great capture Carole...the juvenile certainly looks different!!!
Jan

Brian King said...

What an intense red eye! I like the bill, too! I've never heard of this one until now.

Jeanne said...

What an amazing difference between the juvenile and the adult. great shots carole

Stewart M said...

Splendid bird. There have been an unusual number around Melbourne this year - I have heard one, but not seen any yet.

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

NatureFootstep said...

teh red eyes seem a bit spooky. :)

Helma said...

Very nice and as you gefotograffeerd the juvenile is for me a new photo. I had never seen a juvenile :-)

Unknown said...

We love Rainbirds. Poor wattle bird but I believe crows raise them too......and I was told they come back and get them? I know the storm birds do that as we used to see it every year...

Unknown said...

By storm bird I am referring to the Channel Billed Cuckoo