The Plight of Asian Koels in Singapore

Article by Kalai Vanan, ACRES CEO

The Asian koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus) is a bird that ACRES frequently rescues, though in recent years, often for unnecessary reasons. A member of the cuckoo family, the Asian koel shares its lineage with species such as the chestnut-winged cuckoo and the square-tailed drongo.

Male Asian Koel (Photo souce: Canva)

In Singapore, Asian koels have adapted well to the urban environment, thriving on fruit-bearing plants like the MacArthur palm. Like other cuckoos, they are brood parasites, meaning they do not build their own nests but instead lay their eggs in the nests of other birds. Specifically, in Singapore, Asian koels primarily lay their eggs in the nests of house crows.

This behaviour is an example of Kirbyan mimicry, where a species—remarkably, even one as intelligent as a crow—can be deceived into raising the offspring of another species. However, through our experience in wildlife rescue, we have observed that this mimicry fails when young koels fall from the nest prematurely. As with many urban bird species in Singapore, fledglings often tumble to the ground while learning to hop or take short flights. While most young birds can be reunited with their parents, crows typically reject koel chicks once they have fallen.

Unfortunately, a major reason ACRES rescues so many young Asian koels is likely tied to the widespread practice of crow nest removals. Many town councils remove crow nests in response to resident feedbacks, often as a knee-jerk reaction. The nests are discarded, leaving young birds—both crows and koels—on the ground to die.

This year, ACRES has seen a significant rise in the number of rescued koels. We are currently hand-rearing seven Asian koels, with several more housed in our pre-release enclosures.

(Above left photo) Can you identify the Asian koel nestling? (Photo courtesy of Kalai Vanan)

(Above right photo) Famous for their distinctive "UWUU" calls—often considered unpleasant—Asian koels are a source of frustration for many Singaporeans, frequently waking them in the early hours of the morning. However, at ACRES, we embrace their calls as a reminder of the beauty of nature. (Photo courtesy of Ivan Peter)

In a highly concretized urban landscape like Singapore, we must consider ourselves lucky to still be surrounded by various calls of birds. Black-naped orioles, Sparrows, Sunbirds and Asian Koels are just some of the birds whose calls fill the air in many of Singapore’s heartlands. They have adapted to an urban lifestyle, Let us adapt to their cherished existence as well.