The KOEL, or KUIL (_Eudynamys orientalis_), is the best known member of
the above group. The male is entirely of a glossy greenish black, while
the female is of a rich, deep green, spotted with white above, and striped
with white on the quills and tail. The under side is white, with black
oval markings on the throat, and heart-shaped spots upon the breast.
The eye of both is scarlet, the beak pale green, and foot greyish blue.
The length of the male is thirteen inches and a half, and the breadth
twenty-three inches; while the female measures seventeen inches and a
half, and is twenty-four inches across the wings.
"This well-known species," writes Jerdon, "is found throughout India,
extending to Ceylon, the Burmese countries, and parts of Malayana, to the
Philippines. It frequents groves, gardens, avenues, and open jungles;
and feeds almost exclusively, I believe, on fruits of various kinds,
especially on those of the banian, peepul, and other figs, also, says
Blyth, much on that of the _Mimasops elengi_. Several of these birds
may be often seen on one tree, but they are not gregarious. Mr. Blyth
states that they eject from the mouth the large seeds of any fruit that
they have eaten. The Koel is by no means a shy bird, but has the usual
quick, unobtrusive habits of the ordinary Cuckoos, as it glides about the
branches of trees; when it takes wing, however, it is remarkable for the
loudness of its cries. About the breeding season the Koel is very noisy,
and may then be heard at all times, even during the night, frequently
uttering its well-known cry, of 'Ku-il, ku-il,' increasing in vigour and
intensity of utterance as it goes on. The male bird has also another note,
which Blyth syllables as 'Ho-whee-ho,' or 'Ho-y-o.' When it takes flight
it has yet another somewhat melodious and rich liquid call, all thoroughly
_Cuculine_. The female Koel deposits her eggs almost exclusively in the
nest of the Common Crow (_Corvus culminatus_). She generally lays only
one egg in each nest, and mostly, but not always, destroys the eggs of
the proprietor at the time of depositing her own. It is a popular belief
that the Crow discovers the imposture when the young Koel is nearly full
grown, and ejects it from her abode; but this I do not think is usually if
ever the case, for I have frequently seen Crows feeding the young Koels,
even after they have left the nest in which she has placed her eggs, and
when the birds are fully grown entices them away, or, if expelled, looks
after them and feeds them for a few days, but I greatly doubt if this
be the general practice." The egg of the Koel is pale olive-green, with
numerous reddish, dusky spots, having a tendency to form a zone at the
broad end. The Crows would appear to be desirous of avenging the wrongs
they receive from these Cuckoos, for at times we see them pursuing the
Koel with the utmost energy. Mr. Frith, as quoted by Blyth, states that
one dashed itself against a window and was killed when thus hunted by a
Crow. The flight of the Koel is not so quiet and gliding as that of the
True Cuckoos, but is performed with more numerous strokes with the wing.
* * * * *
The GOLDEN CUCKOOS (_Chrysococcyx_), as a most gorgeous group have been
appropriately called, inhabit the equatorial regions of Asia, Africa, and
Australia. These birds are distinguished by their comparatively small,
slender body, long wings, and tail. The beak, which is of medium size,
exactly resembles that of the Common Cuckoo; the tarsi are short, and the
toes long; the wing is pointed, the tail rounded at its sides, and the
compact, large-feathered plumage dyed with hues of more than metallic
brilliancy.