Size: 39-46cm

Description: large cuckoo species named after the male’s distinctive call, “ko-el”. The male and female look very different, the male being glossy black all over and the female speckled all over with dark brown upper parts, pale under parts and barred tail feathers. Both have distinctive red eyes, though this is usually more obvious on the male. Shy, therefore much more often heard than seen. Rarely comes to the ground, preferring to forage in trees.

Diet: mainly fruit, making it unique among cuckoos. Some large insects and bird eggs also eaten.

Song: as well as the “ko-el” sound, a raucous “kroik-kroik-kroik” sound and an explosive “kuuik” repeated several times can be heard.

Breeds: they are brood parasites, laying their eggs in the nests of other birds in May-July.