koel
/ˈkəʊəl
/noun
An Asian and Australasian cuckoo with a call that resembles its name, the male typically having all-black plumage.
- Genus Eudynamys, family Cuculidae: one or two species, in particular E. scolopacea.
- I heard the taunting whistle of the koel and I knew I was in a mango orchard.
- As his voice resonated, mingling with the call of a distant koel, the mystery of the majestic edifice stood out.
Origin
Early 19th century: from Hindi koël, from Sanskrit kokila in the same sense.