Laughing Kookaburra
NameLaughing Kookaburra
Common NameLaughing Kookaburra
Scientific NameDacelo novaeguineae
FamilyAlcedinidae
Wingspan (cm)70
Length (cm)43
Weight (g)400
Plumage DetailsThis species has a creamy-white head with a prominent dark brown stripe through the eye. Its back and wings are brown, often with iridescent blue patches on the wing coverts. The underparts are off-white, and the long tail is distinctly barred with dark brown and rufous-cream bands.
Vocalization / CallIts most famous vocalization is a loud, cackling 'laugh' that starts softly and builds into a chorus, often heard at dawn and dusk, and sometimes throughout the day.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, woodland, savanna, suburban, park
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to eastern mainland Australia. Introduced to Tasmania, Western Australia, and New Zealand.
Identifying Featureslarge size, stocky build, white head with dark eye-stripe, distinctive 'laughing' call, long, barred tail, powerful, dark bill
Description
The Laughing Kookaburra is a large, terrestrial kingfisher native to eastern Australia, known for its distinctive call resembling human laughter. It is a predatory bird that perches high in trees, scanning for prey on the ground before swooping down to catch it.
