Kookaburra
Image: Martin Bennett (cc-by-nc)
NameKookaburra
Common NameLaughing Kookaburra
Scientific NameDacelo novaeguineae
FamilyHalcyonidae
Wingspan (cm)67.5
Length (cm)43.5
Weight (g)400
Plumage DetailsPredominantly off-white to cream underparts, brown upperparts, and a distinctive dark brown eye-stripe across a white head. The tail is barred brown and white, and the wings often show blue patches, particularly in males.
Vocalization / CallA loud, cackling call that resembles human laughter, often performed in a chorus by family groups, especially at dawn and dusk to mark territory.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatseucalypt forest, woodland, open forest, savanna, suburban gardens, parks
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to eastern Australia, including Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. It has been introduced to Tasmania, Western Australia, and New Zealand.
Identifying Featureslarge head, stout, dark bill, distinctive 'laughing' call, dark eye-stripe, brown and white plumage, terrestrial hunting style
Description
The Laughing Kookaburra is a large, stout-bodied terrestrial kingfisher native to eastern Australia. It is renowned for its distinctive call, which sounds like human laughter, and is often seen perched patiently before swooping down on prey.
