Kookaburra
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:JJ_Harrison" title="User:JJ Harrison">JJ Harrison</a> (<a rel="nofollow" class="external free" href="https://www.jjharrison.com.au/">https://www.jjharrison.com.au/</a>) (CC BY-SA 3.0)
NameKookaburra
Common NameLaughing Kookaburra
Scientific NameDacelo novaeguineae
FamilyAlcedinidae
Wingspan (cm)62
Length (cm)43.5
Weight (g)375
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is predominantly creamy white on the underparts and head, with a distinctive dark brown eye-stripe extending from the bill to behind the eye. The upperparts are brown, with some iridescent blue-green patches visible on the wings. The tail is barred brown and rufous.
Vocalization / CallFamous for its loud, cackling call that sounds remarkably like human laughter, often heard at dawn and dusk, especially in family groups.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatseucalypt forest, woodland, gardens, parks, farmland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to eastern mainland Australia. It has been introduced to Tasmania, Western Australia, and New Zealand.
Identifying Featureslarge head, stout body, prominent dark bill, dark eye-stripe, brown and cream plumage, iridescent blue-green wing patches, loud laughing call
Description
The Laughing Kookaburra is a large, terrestrial kingfisher native to eastern Australia, known for its distinctive call resembling human laughter. It is a stout bird with a large head and a prominent bill, typically perching upright while scanning for prey.
