Kookaburra
Image: ecoem22 (cc-by-nc)
NameKookaburra
Common NameLaughing Kookaburra
Scientific NameDacelo novaeguineae
FamilyAlcedinidae
Wingspan (cm)70
Length (cm)43
Weight (g)380
Plumage DetailsPredominantly brown on the back and wings with a white or cream-colored belly. It features a prominent dark brown eye-stripe and often has blue mottling or patches on its wings, especially noticeable in flight.
Vocalization / CallFamous for its loud, cackling call that sounds like human laughter, often heard at dawn and dusk, and used to mark territory.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatswoodland, open forest, savanna, suburban areas, parks, gardens
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to eastern Australia, including Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. It has also been introduced to Tasmania, parts of Western Australia, and New Zealand.
Identifying Featureslarge size, robust bill, dark eye-stripe, distinctive 'laughing' call, stocky build, brown and white plumage
Description
The Laughing Kookaburra is a large, terrestrial kingfisher native to eastern Australia, known for its distinctive, loud call that resembles human laughter. These predatory birds typically perch silently on branches, scanning the ground for prey before swooping down to catch it.
