Black-billed Koel
NameBlack-billed Koel
Common NameBlack-billed Koel
Scientific NameEudynamys melanorhynchus
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)42.5
Length (cm)40
Weight (g)255
Plumage DetailsMales are entirely glossy black with red eyes and a black bill. Females (as pictured) have brown upperparts with rufous-brown barring, paler buffy-white underparts with heavy dark brown barring, a dark brown head with a pale supercilium, red eyes, and a black bill.
Vocalization / CallKnown for loud, ringing calls, often described as a repeated 'ko-el' or 'ko-ee-ol'.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to Sulawesi and several smaller satellite islands in Indonesia, including the Sula and Banggai Islands.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size for a cuckoo, Distinctive black bill (unlike other koels), Red eyes, Males are glossy black, Females are heavily barred brown and buff
Description
The Black-billed Koel is a large cuckoo species endemic to Sulawesi and surrounding islands. Males are glossy black, while females are distinctively barred brown and buff. They are known for their brood parasitic behavior.
