Aspects of Breeding of the Common Koel Eudynamys scolopacea and One of its Biological Hosts, the Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca

Abstract

The Common Koel Eudynamys scolopacea regularly and successfully parasitises broods of the Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca in north-eastern New South Wales. This association is examined using records of parasitism covering a period of 30 years. Laying period, parasitism of the same individual host in the same and successive seasons, laying and incubation, hatching and ejection of host nestlings, and the food, development and dependence periods of young Koels are described. Factors contributing to the Magpie-lark's suitability as a host are discussed.