Koels are members of the cuckoo family and could get the award for worst parents, as they lay their eggs in other birds' nests, leaving the unsuspecting new mums and dads to raise their chicks.
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The mother of the baby koel, pictured, was probably among others that flew from Papua New Guinea or eastern Indonesia to Towradgi for summer, leaving eggs in the nests of magpie larks, red wattlebirds and fig birds.
"They're so known for that distinctive call at 5 o'clock in the morning when you're trying to sleep in," a zookeeper from Symbio Wildlife Park said.
If you've heard a wailing sound in spring, it's probably a koel.
"Adults are rather shy and they are heard much more than seen. In contrast to the adults, fledglings can be very conspicuous as they beg loudly for food from their foster parents," says the Birdlife Australia website.
The male has jet black feathers and red eyes. The female is mottled brown, spotted with white, and has a black crown. The young resemble the female.
Have you taken a wildlife photo in the suburbs? Send it through to cos@illawarramercury.com.au for inclusion in our online gallery.
