My comment is probably not news. Last Sunday whilst I was out lawn mowing I stopped to look at 2 adult female Koels that had or were spending some considerable
time (probably over 30 minutes) shouting at each other. Whilst other normal male (probably 2) calls were heard nearby. The 2 females were perched unmoving, on a gum tree sort of lined up directly facing each other, something less distant than one koel total
length apart. I could not tell whether just one bird was making all the noise or they were doing so alternately. It was curious that the timing of each bout of the screeching was quite regular and frequent as in maybe 15 seconds apart. As in not random, which
suggests it was only one of them, or that they sort of have a routine of sharing their timing. This has probably been going on for weeks here, although most times I think it is a bird by itself. That was just one time I had the opportunity to see what was
happening.
As for David’s question. I have never seen any interactions between any juvenile Koels and adults.
From: Canberrabirds [
On Behalf Of Dr David Rosalky
Sent: Saturday, 16 December, 2023 8:51 AM
To: COG bird list
Subject: [Canberrabirds] Koel activity
A big Koel morning in my GBS precinct. On the corner of Gawler and Northcote Crescents in Deakin, these were two noisy female Koels being harassed by RWBs – but not chased
away. They kept coming back. There was also a male calling at some distance.
The RWBs were busy, including growling at me to drive me away and carrying food. Then I heard the tell-tale chirp of a Koel fledgling. It must have been very close to me
but so well hidden in the foliage that I could not get a visual confirmation. But, no doubt, a Koel fledgling.
I am intrigued though what the two females were doing – perhaps Mum with a maternal instinct (do cuckoos have that?) but aunty as well?
David Rosalky
