Often referred to as rainbirds or stormbirds the call of this migratory cuckoo from south-east Asia is said to herald the arrival of rain. Each spring forested areas of eastern Australia echo with the male Koel’s repetitive mating call:
Perhaps due to their easily identifiable call Koels feature in the mythology of several traditional south-east Asian and Australian cultures.
Increasingly Koels are residing in urban areas, where gardens provide them with an ample supply of food during the mating season. Their adaptation to this new environment can be heard here, with the Koel cutting through the early morning sounds of suburbia:
Typical to cuckoos, the female Koel lays a single egg in a “host’s” nest. The young Koel often grows to twice the size of the adult-host, forcing the other chicks out of the nest. Within 6 weeks it is strong enough to fly back to Asia, returning to Australia the following year.
SOUNDS LIKE NOISE 
Fantastic! What a delicious sound. Thank you.
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Glad you like it. I’ve been waiting since last spring to record them.
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Have not seen the Koel . It’s been driving me crazy not knowing what it was first time l have heard the call l lived here for 56 years Reservoir 3073
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sounds a bit like the birds I heard every morning in the mountains of Honduras … only these ones are quieter. Good recording!
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Thanks for taking the time to listen. I suppose their call is pretty effective in cutting through the dense sounds of the forests. Have you used any of those recordings in your own work?
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Thank you for recording this. Speaking of mythology, I wonder if those birds are good or not so good, or just neutral?
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I’m no expert but I think they are revered in S.E-Asia – protecting people from harm and also being central to New Year celebrations.
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Have a pair who whistle morning and evening. At first I thought it was a child learning to whistle 🙂 Pretty sure it sounds the same. I live in Paradise South Australia
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They go on forever don’t they, maybe longer than a child learning to whistle!
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Now I know what is waking me up at 3 or 4 am each morning here in Maryborough, Qld. We have a forested bush area across the street that attracts many birds and I did not recognize this bird sound. He has been waking me up for several nights now – hope he finds a mate soon! 😉
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He might find a mate but if he’s anything like our neighbourhood koels you’ll continue hearing him throughout the summer days and nights!
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