The black bird with striking red eyes often seen in Sydney is the Eastern Koel (Eudynamys orientalis).
The Eastern Koel: Sydney's Distinctive Black Bird with Red Eyes
The Eastern Koel is a highly recognizable and vocal migrant bird that becomes a familiar sight and sound in Sydney during the warmer months. Known for its distinct call and striking appearance, especially the male, it is a prominent feature of the urban landscape from spring to autumn.
Identifying the Eastern Koel
Identifying the Eastern Koel, particularly the male, is straightforward due to its unique features.
- Male Eastern Koel: The male Eastern Koel is easily identified by its entirely glossy black plumage, which is often tinged with subtle shades of blue and green, especially in good light. Its most distinguishing characteristic, however, is its striking red eye, which stands out vividly against its dark feathers.
- Female Eastern Koel: In contrast, the female Eastern Koel has glossed brown upperparts, which are heavily spotted with white. Her underparts are pale with fine barring, and she possesses a black crown on her head. While also having red eyes, her overall plumage differs significantly from the male.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Characteristic | Male Eastern Koel | Female Eastern Koel |
|---|---|---|
| Plumage | Entirely glossy black, tinged with blue and green. | Glossed brown upperparts with heavy white spotting. |
| Head | Glossy black. | Black crown. |
| Eyes | Striking red. | Red. |
| Underparts | Glossy black. | Pale with fine barring. |
Habitat and Migration Patterns
Eastern Koels are migratory birds, traveling from Southeast Asia and New Guinea to Australia, including Sydney, for the breeding season. They typically arrive in September or October and depart around March or April. During their stay, they are commonly found in:
- Urban parks and gardens: They thrive in areas with abundant fruiting trees.
- Suburban backyards: Often seen feasting on figs, berries, and other fruits.
- Bushland and rainforest edges: Where natural food sources are plentiful.
Their presence in Sydney is a seasonal indicator of warmer weather, with their distinctive calls becoming a familiar sound throughout the city.
Distinctive Call and Habits
The Eastern Koel is perhaps best known for its loud, repetitive, and often nocturnal call, which gives it its name—a loud "koo-el" or "coo-ee," ascending in pitch. This call is a characteristic sound of spring and summer nights in Sydney.
Beyond their vocal prowess, Eastern Koels exhibit fascinating behaviors:
- Diet: They are primarily frugivorous, meaning their diet consists mainly of fruit. They are particularly fond of figs, which are a staple during their time in Australia. They may also consume some insects.
- Brood Parasitism: Eastern Koels are brood parasites. This means they do not build their own nests or raise their own young. Instead, the female lays her eggs in the nests of other bird species, such as Friarbirds, Magpie-larks, and Figbirds. The host parents then unknowingly incubate the koel's eggs and raise the koel chicks.
Why are Eastern Koels in Sydney?
Sydney's urban and suburban environment, with its plentiful parks and garden trees, provides an ideal temporary habitat for Eastern Koels. The abundance of fruiting trees, particularly figs, offers a rich food source during their breeding season. The warmer climate is also conducive to their breeding cycle before they embark on their journey back north.
For more information on the Eastern Koel, you can visit resources like BirdLife Australia or the Australian Museum.
