Pacific koel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pacific koel |
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| Male | |
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| Female | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eudynamys
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| Species: |
orientalis
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| Distribution of the Pacific koel in turquoise (also outside the map in southeast Australia) | |
| Synonyms | |
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Cuculus orientalis Linnaeus, 1766 |
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The Pacific koel (Eudynamys orientalis), also known as the eastern koel, is a type of cuckoo bird. In Australia, people often call it the rainbird or stormbird. This is because its loud calls are heard more often before or during stormy weather.
About the Pacific Koel
The Pacific koel is a bird from the Cuculidae family. It has a scientific name, Eudynamys orientalis. Sometimes, people used to think it was the same as the Asian koel or black-billed koel. However, now scientists usually treat them as separate species.
Where They Live
You can find the Pacific koel in many places. These include Wallacea, the Solomon Islands, and northern and eastern Australia. They live in forests, woodlands, and even in gardens and plantations. The IUCN has not rated the Pacific koel specifically. However, a group of koels in Australia, which are part of the Pacific koel species, are considered to be of "Least Concern." This means they are not currently at risk of disappearing.
Life and Habits
The Pacific koel is a brood parasite. This means the female koel lays her eggs in the nests of other birds. She does not build her own nest or raise her own chicks. In Australia, the koel often uses the nests of large honeyeaters. Two common host birds are the noisy friarbird and the red wattlebird.
Unlike some other cuckoos, young koel chicks do not try to harm or kill the host chicks. This is also true for the channel-billed cuckoo. Adult Pacific koels mostly eat fruit.
Images for kids
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Male Pacific koel
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Female Pacific koel
See also
In Spanish: Koel del Pacífico para niños
