Helmeted Friarbird (Philemon buceroides)
In Indonesia, the Helmeted Friarbird (Philemon buceroides) is commonly known as “Koak Kaok” a name frequently used to refer to this species. It is found in northern and eastern Australia as well as eastern Indonesia. The Koak Kaok is a diurnal bird, meaning it’s active during the day. Philemon buceroides are listed as Least Concern species.
The Unique Plumage of Koak Kaok
The Helmeted Friarbird has a very distinctive facial feature and coloration. Have a dark gray face with red eyes, and a spotted chest that fades to white and then darkens toward the feet. Males and females have different sizes; male about 38 cm in length, and weigh 127-179 grams, while weigh 92-112 grams. This bird has a long pointed black bill topped with a small, rounded horn.
Vocalization of Koak Kaok
As an endemic bird of Wallacea, the Helmeted Friarbird is known for its distinctive vocalizations for being a very vocal bird, with loud and harsh calls that can be heard from a long distance. Their common calls sound like “keeyow-kowee” or “kowee ko keeyoo”, and are often repeated up to twelve times. Another typical sound they make is the slower “kurr-rkk” call, repeated about 8-10 times. These birds are most active vocally in the morning and during storms.
Foraging Technique of Koak Kaok
The Helmeted Friarbird feeds on nectar, fruits, and insects, making it an insectivorous, frugivorous, and nectarivorous species. Although it belongs to the honeyeater group, it only consumes nectar occasionally, mainly before the breeding season to maintain its physical fitness. This species prefers fruit from trees such as fig (Ficus), papaya, banana, and sugar apple, and enjoys nectar from tamarind, coconut, moringa, and turi trees. It also feeds on various insects including tree grasshopper, dragonflies, fruit flies, butterflies, and others, favoring watery fruits and food that are red, orange, yellow, or green in color. The Helmeted Friarbird is an arboreal species, rarely, if ever, seen perching on the ground.
Behavior
The Helmeted Friarbird engages in various activities such as foraging, perching, calling, and flying. It prefers trees with open vegetation and moderately spaced branches, which provide ideal sites for shelter and feeding. This species is often observed at heights ranging from 7 to 35 meters above the ground. This bird commonly inhabits trees such as Alstonia spectabilis (Legaran), Alstonia angustiloba (Pulai Penipu), and Bombax buonopozense (Dangar).