Pacific Koel
(Eastern Koel)

The Pacific Koel (Eudynamys orientalis) is a large species of parasitic cuckoo which migrates to northern and eastern Australia to breed. It is also commonly referred to as the Eastern Koel.

This species was previously regarded as the same species as the Common Koel of south-east Asia and the Indian subcontinent [now called Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus)], but recent taxonomic changes has resulted in them being split into two separate species. Both of these species are sometimes colloquially referred to as the ‘Rain Bird’ or ‘Storm Bird’. [Note: Channel-billed Cuckoos (Scythrops novaehollandiae) are also sometimes referred to as storm birds!]

The loud, repetitive ‘coo-ee’ song of the male Pacific Koel is a familiar sound of spring and early summer in eastern Australia. Males also make ‘rolling’ type phrases and female koels make a high-pitched shrieking ‘kik-kik-kik-kik’ notes often when interacting with a male.