Laughing Kookaburra
Dacelo novaeguineae
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Coraciiformes · Alcedinidae
About
The laughing kookaburra is a bird in the kingfisher subfamily Halcyoninae. It is a large kingfisher with a whitish head and a brown eye-stripe. The upperparts are mostly dark brown but there is a mottled light-blue patch on the wing coverts. The underparts are cream-white and the tail is barred with rufous and black. The plumage of the male and female birds is similar. The territorial call is a distinctive laugh that is often delivered by several birds at the same time, and is widely used as a stock sound effect in situations that involve a jungle setting.
Fun Fact
Laughing kookaburras' famous cackling call is actually a territorial declaration — family groups laugh together at dawn and dusk to warn neighbouring groups to stay away.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Eucalyptus forests and woodlands
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
10-15 years
Threats
- Wildfire
- Deforestation