“Two or more Asian Koels (Eudynamys scolopacea) in apparent confrontation is a scene commonly seen or heard in locations where there are House Crows (Corvus splendens) and Asian Koels. These usually happen in the early mornings or evenings. Their antics has been recorded by YC LINK, Lena Chow LINK and Kwong Wai Chong LINK.
“In the area around my condominium, the behaviour is also frequently heard but more difficult to observe because the actions take place high up in the tree canopy most of the time.
“On the morning of 11th April 2013, for the first time, I had an almost perfect view of a pair of males in the act. They were in a grafted Michelia champaca (now reclassified as Magnolia champaca, if I am not wrong) outside my condo at a height of about 10 feet. Their movements and vocalisation had already been very well described before. The only minor detail for me to add is that the birds, after a flick of the tail and slight spread of the tail feathers, will then relax to droop them gently before the next flick (above).
“Another video (above), actually recorded before the above, shows more of the same but with much less vocalisation and more posturing (above).
“From the two videos and past observations, I believe between males this is an act of bantering maybe combined with duetting.”
Sun Chong Hong
Singapore
20th May 2013
