The JAY CUCKOOS (Coccystes) are recognisable by their elongate body; thick, broad, curved beak, which is compressed at its sides and almost equals the head in length; strong and comparatively long and partially-feathered feet; moderate-sized wing, in which the fourth quill is the longest; and long, conical tail, composed of narrow feathers, the outermost of which are only half the length of those in the centre. The smooth plumage takes the form of a crest upon the head, and is similarly coloured in both sexes. This group is almost peculiar to the African continent.
THE JAY CUCKOO.
The JAY CUCKOO (Coccystes glandarius) is deep grey on the head, greyish brown on the back, and greyish white on the under side. The throat and upper breast are reddish yellow; and the feathers on the wing-covers and the secondary quills have broad, triangular, white spots at their tips; the eye is deep brown, the beak purplish grey, and the foot greyish green. This species is about fifteen inches long; the wing measures eight, and the tail eight and a half inches.
The Jay Cuckoo is very numerously met with in some parts of Africa, and from thence wanders forth into Europe, appearing occasionally in Greece and Italy. It is often known to breed in Spain. Such of these birds as inhabit Egypt principally frequent the small groups of mimosa that abound in the valley of the Nile, and live in pairs or small parties, according to our own observation, remaining together even during the breeding season. Like its European brother, this species is of a restless and violent temperament, engaging constantly in fierce strife with its male companions during the period of incubation. Its flight is rapid, and so skilful as to enable the bird to penetrate the densest thickets without a moment's hesitation. It rarely descends to the ground, but obtains the insects and caterpillars on which it subsists either while on the wing or when perching among the branches. Its voice, which somewhat resembles that of a Jay, can be heard at a considerable distance, and has a laughing but monotonous sound. The female, like the rest of her congeners, deposits her eggs in another bird's nest. Baedecker describes the egg as of a light blueish green, spotted with grey or brown, and dotted all over with reddish brown; at the broad end the spots take the form of a wreath. In form the eggs are similar to those of other Cuckoos, but in size resemble those of the Jay.
The KOELS (Eudynamys), a small group of Cuckoos inhabiting Southern Asia and Oceania, possess a strong, thick beak, the upper mandible of which is much curved, and hooked at its tip, while the lower portion of the bill is nearly straight. Their feet are strong, their wings of moderate size, the tail long and rounded; the soft plumage is of very uniform hue, that of the male being usually black, and that of the female black spotted with white.
THE KOEL, OR KUIL.
The KOEL, or KUIL (Eudynamys orientalis), is the best known member of the above group. The male is entirely of a glossy greenish black, while the female is of a rich, deep green, spotted with white above, and striped with white on the quills and tail. The under side is white, with black oval markings on the throat, and heart-shaped spots upon the breast. The eye of both is scarlet, the beak pale green, and foot greyish blue. The length of the male is thirteen inches and a half, and the breadth twenty-three inches; while the female measures seventeen inches and a half, and is twenty-four inches across the wings.
"This well-known species," writes Jerdon, "is found throughout India, extending to Ceylon, the Burmese countries, and parts of Malayana, to the Philippines. It frequents groves, gardens, avenues, and open jungles; and feeds almost exclusively, I believe, on fruits of various kinds, especially on those of the banian, peepul, and other figs, also, says Blyth, much on that of the Mimasops elengi. Several of these birds may be often seen on one tree, but they are not gregarious. Mr. Blyth states that they eject from the mouth the large seeds of any fruit that they have eaten. The Koel is by no means a shy bird, but has the usual quick, unobtrusive habits of the ordinary Cuckoos, as it glides about the branches of trees; when it takes wing, however, it is remarkable for the loudness of its cries. About the breeding season the Koel is very noisy, and may then be heard at all times, even during the night, frequently uttering its well-known cry, of 'Ku-il, ku-il,' increasing in vigour and intensity of utterance as it goes on. The male bird has also another note, which Blyth syllables as 'Ho-whee-ho,' or 'Ho-y-o.' When it takes flight it has yet another somewhat melodious and rich liquid call, all thoroughly Cuculine. The female Koel deposits her eggs almost exclusively in the nest of the Common Crow (Corvus culminatus). She generally lays only one egg in each nest, and mostly, but not always, destroys the eggs of the proprietor at the time of depositing her own. It is a popular belief that the Crow discovers the imposture when the young Koel is nearly full grown, and ejects it from her abode; but this I do not think is usually if ever the case, for I have frequently seen Crows feeding the young Koels, even after they have left the nest in which she has placed her eggs, and when the birds are fully grown entices them away, or, if expelled, looks after them and feeds them for a few days, but I greatly doubt if this be the general practice." The egg of the Koel is pale olive-green, with numerous reddish, dusky spots, having a tendency to form a zone at the broad end. The Crows would appear to be desirous of avenging the wrongs they receive from these Cuckoos, for at times we see them pursuing the Koel with the utmost energy. Mr. Frith, as quoted by Blyth, states that one dashed itself against a window and was killed when thus hunted by a Crow. The flight of the Koel is not so quiet and gliding as that of the True Cuckoos, but is performed with more numerous strokes with the wing.