Blue-winged Kookaburra
NameBlue-winged Kookaburra
Common NameBlue-winged Kookaburra
Scientific NameDacelo leachii
FamilyAlcedinidae
Wingspan (cm)70.5
Length (cm)40
Weight (g)285
Plumage DetailsThe head is streaked brown and white/buff, with a pale eye and a prominent pale blue-grey bill. The back and shoulders are dark brown, contrasting sharply with bright iridescent blue wing patches. Underparts are off-white to buff, often finely barred brown. The tail is barred rufous and dark brown, tipped white.
Vocalization / CallA loud, cackling, and often raucous laugh-like call, typically less complex than the Laughing Kookaburra but still very distinctive. Calls are frequently heard at dawn and dusk.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to northern and northeastern Australia, including coastal and subcoastal regions, and southern New Guinea.
Identifying FeaturesBright blue wing patches, Streaked head with pale eye, Large, pale blue-grey bill, Rufous and dark brown barred tail, Loud, cackling vocalizations
Description
The Blue-winged Kookaburra is a large, robust kingfisher known for its distinctive blue wing patches and loud, cackling call. It is a predatory bird, often perching conspicuously to hunt a variety of small animals. This species inhabits tropical and subtropical woodlands across northern Australia and southern New Guinea.
