The Common Koel (Eudynamis scolopacea) is a cuckoo that migrates from Asia down to Australia for the summer. It lays its eggs in cup-shaped nests of large honeyeaters. This is a photo of the male. The female is barred brown and so far hasn't come anywhere close for me to take a photo. Although this bird is often hard to see as it hides among the foliage it is certainly not hard to hear! From a distance the call is not unpleasant but close up - like just outside my bedroom window at night!!! - it is loud and raucous. You can hear its call here.
I took this photo in the late afternoon and the bird's feathers were picking up the golden tones of the sunset sky.
This is a full crop of the above photo showing the bird's beautiful eye.
gorgeous bird with those dark feathers and bright red eye! the call sounds neat (although while trying to sleep might be a bit much!) :)
ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful bird to see..
ReplyDeleteLovely images.
you did get close enough for a good shot though. They are here also but never a photo opportunity like you got; well done
ReplyDeleteGreat eyes!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteIt is a pretty bird and I love that red eye. Great sighting and photos.
ReplyDeletea bird I never heard of. I listened to the call and I can understand it is not a favourite call when you are in bed. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of that red-eyed bird! I love his call.
ReplyDeleteThat is a very distinctive call and the bird has beautiful eyes...
ReplyDeleteYour photos are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteHi there - crazy looking red eye!
ReplyDeleteMust have been a challenge to get the exposure right.
Cheers - Stewart M
He is a handsome chap but I quite understand your issue with his call which certainly is beautiful . . . at a distance.
ReplyDeleteA very handsome looking portrait.
ReplyDeletewow, a different kind of bird. Nice... Thanks for dropping by.
ReplyDeleteHis Unfailing Love
Beautiful, Mick! Love the red eyes!
ReplyDeleteThat...is a great bird picture. Perfect. And that eye, what a focal point. There is no curse worse than loud neighbors!
ReplyDelete;-)WBW!
That's a beautiful bird -- but I hear you on the noise outside the window in the morning. We have mockingbirds here in Florida that can just go crazy sometimes.
ReplyDeleteOh, what an eye! Beautiful, mysterious bird, kinda 007 ;)
ReplyDeleteLove his red eye against his black feathers. Great shots!
ReplyDeleteIt does have a very striking eye and a loud call. The call reminds me of the broad tailed grackle which is currently entertaining us in many parking lots in town.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous fellow! Those red eyes are stunning! I never would have though that this is a cuckoo :D
ReplyDeleteI do love that eye color -- very striking. :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful images!! I love the red around his eyes.
ReplyDelete... An interesting post and great photos.
ReplyDeleteI really like your header.
Greetings Karin