Identifying Features
The Asian Koels have ruby red eyes, and the male has a shiny raven black coat all over. At first sight, it may be easy to confuse Asian Koels with crows as they are pretty similar in size also, but always remember to check the eyes! The female Asian Koel has light brown / white underparts with streaks of black and dark brown. And the female has a long tail with black stripes. Asian Koels are pretty noisy birds in my opinion; the male makes a loud crowing sound, not as high pitched as a crow; I would say it has a lower tone.
We once spotted a pair of Asian Koels challenging each other; and both males were making such a racket that even regular passerbys who usually wouldn't give two cents about birds actually stopped to see the outcome!
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| Pair of male Asian Koels having a sing-off at Jurong Lake Gardens |
Male, Female
Male Asian Koel
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| Male Asian Koel |
Female Asian Koel
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| Female Asian Koel |
Where Can You Usually Find Them?
So far they are usually pretty hidden in trees; they don't really enjoy being out in the open. We scan the trees for Asian Koels when we hear repeated calls of "ko-el, ko-el", and not because they made any movements that caught our attention. Usually the Asian Koels are alone or in a pair; sometimes couples need personal space. =) So look high up and look in leafy trees!
Places to Spot Them in Singapore
Sightings of the Asian Koel:
- Jurong Lake Gardens [24 Oct 2020, 8:57 AM]
- MacRitchie Reservoir [18 Oct 2020, 10:02 AM]
- Telok Blangah Walk [10 Oct 2020, 10:19 AM]
- Singapore Botanic Gardens [2 Oct 2020, 8:50 AM]
