Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopacea) 40-44cm
A common gardenbird found throughout the country.Both sexes have a striking red eye.Male all-back with pale beak,long tail and slimmer build that distinguishes it from both crows.Female heavily barred and spotted in brown and white.It is not uncommon to see this bird being purused by crows.Local traditionn has it that the koel's incessant calling heralds the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in April and it is known as 'New Year Cuckoo'.The male has two loud songs:a rapidly-repeated,rising hweeyu-hweeyu-hweeyu... and a pleasant,slow,rising ku-oo-u,ku-oo-u.. with the middle syllable higher.Female's call is a quick,rising yelp kik-kik-kik.
