Laughing Kookaburra
NameLaughing Kookaburra
Common NameLaughing Kookaburra
Scientific NameDacelo novaeguineae
FamilyAlcedinidae
Wingspan (cm)62
Length (cm)43.5
Weight (g)400
Plumage DetailsPredominantly off-white on the underside with fine brown barring, and brown on the back and wings. It features a distinctive dark brown eye-stripe, a white collar, and a barred tail with rufous and dark brown markings.
Vocalization / CallFamous for its loud, cackling, laugh-like call, often heard at dawn and dusk, which is a territorial display and social communication.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, woodland, savanna, suburban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to eastern Australia, extending from the Cape York Peninsula south to Victoria. It has been introduced to Tasmania, Western Australia, and New Zealand.
Identifying FeaturesLarge head and stout body, Robust, dagger-like bill, Distinctive dark brown eye-stripe, Loud, cackling, laugh-like call, Brown back and wings with off-white, barred underside
Description
The Laughing Kookaburra is a large, stout kingfisher native to eastern Australia, known for its distinctive cackling call that resembles human laughter. It has a prominent head, short neck, and a robust, dagger-like bill, often perching motionless while hunting.
