Can anyone tell me about the nesting habits of koels? Do they nest like true cuckoos? What sort of impact do they have on native bird populations if they do? I ask because this year koels have taken over the neighbourhood and there's a noticeable decline in wattle birds and magpies. Thanks. :)
According to the BiBY info on koels breeding,
"Breeding
The Common Koel is a brood parasite, that is, it lays its eggs in the nests of other bird species. Common hosts are the Red Wattlebird" and a couple of other birds such as magpie larks etc. But I'm pretty sure some Magpie nests would be overtaken as well.
It has been my observation that Koels only use the host pair once during the season. Perhaps the wattlebirds and magpies have taken evasive action. :):) I have also noticed the breeding season is much slower this year, perhpaps food is not as plentiful, there is still plenty of time to fill quota.