The Asian Koel

Male Asian Koel in Faridabad

I have noticed the female of the species a few times, in and about the trees  in our neighborhood. This time, I saw the male clearly, perched on a branch of the neem tree perhaps fifty odd feet above the ground. Coal black, with ruby red eyes. A master of deceptive cunning, for the way it scouts for crow's nests and draws away the crow in a mock fight which is a signal for the female koel to lay its own eggs in the crow's nest. 

That's a brood parasite. And the eggs look exactly like crow's eggs. Even the hatchlings, except that they are more voracious eaters and innately more cunning, having been known to knock off baby crows out of the nest. 

And it is really surprising that this bird has the most evocative cry, going koo - ooo in an increasing crescendo that cannot escape your mind, not in April. Remaining safely hidden in the foliage all the while. 

One of the most intelligent of birds, perhaps more than that of the crow family and as you can see, the body posture of the bird speaks volumes of its cunning. 

Perhaps they need their wits about them more in these uncertain times, of increasing deforestation and degradation of land. Lets hope these guys continue to thrive and prosper, and regale us with their ringing cries.