The Melodious Call of the Koel in Bengal’s Spring
Introduction
Spring in Bengal is a season of beauty, renewal, and romance. As the winter chill fades away, the land begins to awaken with vibrant flowers, gentle breezes, and longer sunny days. Among all these natural wonders, one sound captures the essence of Bengal’s spring more than anything else — the sweet, enchanting call of the koel bird (Eudynamys scolopaceus). This melodious “koo-oo” resonates across villages, towns, and cities, bringing with it a deep sense of nostalgia and joy.
In this article, we will explore the koel’s characteristics, its connection with Bengal’s spring, its cultural significance, and why this bird continues to hold a special place in Bengali hearts.
The Koel Bird: An Overview
The Asian koel is a member of the cuckoo family (Cuculidae) and is found across South and Southeast Asia. In Bengal, it is known as “kokil” or “koel,” and is easily recognized by its distinct song. The male koel has glossy black feathers with a striking red eye, while the female sports a brown body with white spots, blending easily into the trees.
The koel is primarily frugivorous, meaning it feeds on fruits such as mangoes, berries, and figs, but it also eats insects and caterpillars during the breeding season. Known for its brood parasitism, the female koel lays its eggs in the nests of crows and other birds, leaving them to raise her chicks.
The Arrival of Spring and the Koel’s Song
Bengal’s spring season — known locally as Boshonto — arrives between late February and early April. This is also the koel’s breeding season, when males sing to attract mates. Their continuous “koo-oo” calls can be heard from dawn until dusk, especially in mango orchards and banyan trees.
The koel’s call is more than just a mating song; for many Bengalis, it is the sound of spring itself. The moment people hear it, they know the season has truly begun. It blends with the fragrance of shiuli flowers, the blossoming of mango buds, and the gentle warmth in the air.
Cultural and Literary Significance in Bengal
The koel has a deep-rooted presence in Bengali culture, poetry, music, and folklore. Many classical poets like Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam have mentioned the koel in their verses as a symbol of love, longing, and the beauty of nature.
In Tagore’s songs, the koel often represents the voice of the heart — sometimes joyful, sometimes yearning. In folk songs (bhawaiya, baul, and jhumur), the koel’s call is often compared to a lover’s voice calling from afar.
For centuries, the koel has also been associated with Dol Jatra (the festival of colors) and Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year). The bird’s call is like nature’s invitation to celebrate the season of new beginnings.
Koel in Folklore and Symbolism
In Bengali and Indian folklore, the koel symbolizes love, devotion, and sometimes hidden longing. Its sweet voice is often contrasted with its shy, hidden nature, as the bird rarely shows itself despite calling loudly from the treetops.
Many rural tales describe the koel as a messenger of spring, carrying nature’s blessings. In Hindu mythology, the bird is linked with Kamadeva, the god of love, as its call is believed to awaken romantic feelings.
Scientific Reason Behind the Koel’s Call
From a biological perspective, the male koel’s song serves several purposes:
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Attracting a mate – The prolonged and rhythmic calls help females locate males.
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Territorial signaling – The song warns rival males to stay away from their territory.
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Synchronizing breeding – The call coincides with the breeding cycle of crows, ensuring that their eggs can be laid in suitable host nests.
Interestingly, the call tends to be more frequent in the early morning and late afternoon, when the air is cooler and sound travels farther.
Where to Find Koels in Bengal’s Spring
During spring, koels can be spotted (or rather heard) in various parts of Bengal:
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Village Mango Orchards – The koel’s favorite hangout during the breeding season.
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City Gardens and Parks – Even in Kolkata and other cities, their calls echo in parks like Rabindra Sarobar and Maidan.
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Near Water Bodies – Koels often sing near ponds and rivers, where fruit trees are abundant.
If you want to hear them at their best, wake up early during late February or March and walk near fruit trees — you’ll likely be greeted by their call.
Koel and the Mango Connection
The koel has a special relationship with the mango tree in Bengal. Their breeding season overlaps with the mango flowering season, and they love feeding on ripe mangoes later in summer. In fact, the arrival of their call is often taken as a sign that mango buds (mango malis) have started appearing. This connection between the koel and mango trees is celebrated in rural songs and proverbs.
The Koel in Modern Times
Even in today’s busy, urbanized Bengal, the koel’s call still reaches people through parks, roadside trees, and gardens. For many living in apartments, the koel’s song provides a brief escape from traffic noise and daily stress.
However, habitat loss and tree-cutting in urban areas have reduced their numbers in some regions. Preserving fruit-bearing trees and green spaces is essential to ensure future generations can enjoy this beautiful bird’s song.
How to Attract Koels to Your Garden
If you want to enjoy the koel’s melody in your own backyard, here are some tips:
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Plant native fruit trees like mango, guava, and jamun.
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Avoid using pesticides, as they harm the insects and caterpillars koels feed on.
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Provide a peaceful, green environment with minimal noise.
With the right habitat, the koel will naturally be drawn to your garden every spring.
Conclusion
The melodious call of the koel in Bengal’s spring is more than just a bird’s song — it is a seasonal tradition, a cultural emblem, and a natural reminder of renewal and beauty. Whether you’re in a rural village surrounded by mango orchards or in the heart of a bustling city, the koel’s voice connects you to the timeless rhythm of nature.
As long as the koel’s call rings through Bengal’s spring, the spirit of the season will remain alive in every Bengali heart. Let us cherish and protect this gentle messenger of spring so that future generations can also greet the season with the koel’s enchanting song.