The Indian Koel
(Kuyil) belongs to the Cuckoo order of birds (Cuculiformes). Its systematic
name is Eudynamys scolopaceus. It is
a 'brood parasite' that lays its eggs in the nests of other birds such as the
crows. The unsuspecting crow sits on the Koel's eggs and her own eggs till they
are hatched and feeds the hatchlings
together.
A
mother 'house crow' (Corvus splendens)
built a nest on a large tree and laid four eggs in it. A mother koel waited for
the mother crow to move out and then laid an egg in the crow's nest. The mother
crow returned soon and sat on the eggs in her nest and hatched them together.
The chick of
the koel appeared, cried and behaved like the baby crows and the mother affectionately
fed all of them. She noticed that the baby koel had an inherent disability. One
of his legs was crippled. He could walk only with much difficulty. The mischievous
young crows laughed at him and pecked him frequently with their tiny beaks. But
he was very tolerant and affectionate. He had suppressed the natural urge to move
the other eggs and hatchlings out of the nest. But the young crows continued to
harass him.
The hatchlings
grew into nestlings and fledglings. Unable to bear the harsh treatment by the
fellow fledglings, the koel chick silently moved out of the nest and rested on
a neighbouring tree. It's sad cry was recognized by his parents who rushed to
meet him.
Under the tender care of his parents, the
young koel learned to eat, fly and sing like his parents. He developed glossy
bluish black colour and red eyes (crimson iris) like his father. He sang with a
melodious voice and all the animals and birds of the area listened with
admiration whenever the crippled koel sang a song. He became the best singer in
the land. Even the crows who teased and troubled him in the nest listened to
his melodious music with appreciation, admiration and adoration.
Jesus Christ advised , "Love your enemies; do good to those
who hate you; bless those who curse you and pray for those who ill-treat
you." He taught, "Do for others just what you want them to do for you." ....................................................................................................................
© By Prof. Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin
University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala,
India, Prof. Mrs. Rajamma Babu, Former Professor, St.
Dominic's College, Kanjirappally, Leo. S. John, St. Antony's Public
School, Anakkal, Kanjirappally and Neil John, Maniparambil, Ooriyakunnath,
Kunnumbhagom, Kanjirappally, Kottayam-686507, Kerala, India.
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