Black-billed Koel
Eudynamys melanorhynchus
A large cuckoo endemic to Sulawesi. Long tail and red eye. Male is all black; females have a brown back andbarred underparts with white stripe on the face. Found in forest and edge where it hides in dense canopy and is difficult to see. The only koel on Sulawesi. Male separated from other black birds by long, pointed black tail. Female from other cuckoos by white stripe on face and barring. Voice a typical “koel!” call, or short series of rising and falling “woo” notes.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Eudynamys melanorhynchus
- Authority
- Müller, S, 1843
- Order
- Cuculiformes
- Family
- Cuculidae
- Genus
- Eudynamys
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Red-necked Nightjar
Caprimulgus ruficollis
Resembles Eurasian Nightjar, but larger with a rufous collar and upper breast and lacks the dark “forearms” seen on Eurasian Nightjar. Note the prominent pale tips on the wing coverts. Most active at dusk when hawks for flying insects. Voice is a distinctive repetitive “tuok-tuok-tuok” rising and falling in volume. Haunts sparsely to moderately vegetated open areas such as rocky hillsides, pinewoods, and semidesert in the breeding season and winters in similar habitats in West Africa.
Red-capped Cardinal
Paroaria gularis
Small, boldly colored tanager found in vegetation around lakes and rivers. Bright red head and black-and-white plumage are instantly recognizable. Quite social and often found in pairs or groups as they forage low in waterside vegetation. Frequently perches on branches sticking out of the water.
Blue-crowned Lorikeet
Vini australis
A mostly green lorikeet with a relatively rounded tail and bright orange bill and feet. Bright blue crown and large red throat patch are diagnostic. Widespread through most habitats, but nomadic, often traveling between islands in search of food. Unique within its range. Vocally distinctive, with a common high-pitched “seeEEE” call. Interaction calls are more complex reels of squeaking and squealing.
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