The Asian koel (kogile in Kannada) has become increasingly elusive in Bengaluru, says K Sankara Rao, a visiting professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and author of Trees of Bangalore. While Bengaluru lacks a traditional spring season, the months of March and April are typically marked by vibrant blooms and the sweet calls of the koel. However, in recent weeks, Rao has only heard the koel’s song once, a stark contrast to previous years when its calls were commonplace.
Many birders across the city have noticed a similar decline. While some central Bengaluru residents report occasional sightings, those in the north and south express difficulty spotting the koel. M B Krishna, a birdwatcher from Basavanagudi, believes that the koel’s reliance on crows for nesting is contributing to its reduced visibility. The koel, a brood parasite, lays its eggs in crow nests, and the declining crow population is directly affecting the koel’s survival.
Rao attributes the drop in crow numbers to several factors, including the loss of dense tree patches needed for nesting, pollution, and reduced food sources like dead rodents. Prasad J N, a birdwatcher from J P Nagar, notes that while he still sees a pair of koels daily, the number of koel pairs in his area has dwindled compared to previous years. Sabiha M, a birdwatcher from R T Nagar, shares similar observations, adding to the growing concern over the koel’s decline in the city.
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