The Asian koel is a bird that makes a loud, piercing noise during breeding season. It is a species that is protected under the Wildlife Act, and it helps keep the crow population under control by removing crow eggs from their nests.

However, the population of the Asian koel seems to have increased significantly and it can be heard throughout the island.

In my estate, the bird is heard early in the morning, and more frequently compared with 10 years ago. Its sound is piercing and disrupts a person’s sleep, indirectly affecting mental health due to lack of sufficient rest.

The authorities need to track the Asian koel population and, if necessary, keep the numbers in check before the situation gets out of control.

The noise pollution from the Asian koel makes the bird no different from a pest.

Gary Ng