Details
Dacelo novaeguineae
The laughing kookaburra is a large kingfisher of Australian woodlands. Diurnal family groups defend territories with loud laughing calls.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It uses open forest, woodland edges, parks, and farmland margins. Perches overlooking open ground are valuable for spotting prey.
Wingspan is about 60-65 cm and weight about 300-500 g. A large head, heavy bill, brown wings, pale body, and dark eye stripe are typical.
Active by day, family groups hold territories. Birds wait on exposed branches and drop to the ground when prey appears.
It is carnivorous, taking insects, reptiles, small mammals, birds, and similar prey. Captured prey may be beaten against a perch before swallowing.
It nests in tree hollows or holes in termite mounds. Helpers from the family group may assist with feeding the young.
Its status is listed as Least Concern. It adapts to wooded areas near people, and its calls are a familiar sound in many places.
