General Information

The Laughing Kookaburra is instantly recognizable in both plumage and voice. The chuckling voice that gives this species its English name is a common and familiar sound. The loud 'koo-koo-koo-koo-koo-kaa-kaa-kaa' is often sung in a chorus with other individuals. The Laughing Kookaburra also has a shorter 'koooaa', which is normally sung when accompanied by other members of its family group.

Physical Description

This large member of the kingfisher family measures 40 - 45 cm in length. It generally has an off-white under belly, faintly barred with dark brown, and brown on the back and wings. The tail is more rufous, broadly barred with black. There is a conspicuous dark brown eye-stripe through the face as well.

Diet

Laughing Kookaburras feed mostly on insects, worms and crustaceans, although they also eat small snakes, mammals, frogs and birds. This bird catches its prey by pouncing from a suitable perch. They consume their small prey whole, but kill larger prey by bashing it against the ground or tree branch. Laughing Kookaburras often become quite tame around humans and will readily accept scraps of meat. This 'pre-processed' food is still beaten against a perch before swallowing.

Habitat

The Laughing Kookaburra occurs throughout eastern Australia. It has also been introduced to Tasmania and the extreme Southwest of Western Australia, as well as New Zealand. It chooses to inhabit most areas where there are suitable trees.

Reproduction

Laughing Kookaburras breed from August to January. The birds are believed to pair for life. Their nest is a bare chamber in a tree hollow or burrow. Both sexes share the incubation duties and both care for the young. Other Laughing Kookaburras, usually offspring from 1-2 years prior, act as 'helpers' during the breeding season. Every bird in the group shares all parenting duties.