Laughing Kookaburra

Dacelo novaeguineae

Scientific Name

Laughing Kookaburra:  
Dacelo novaeguineae

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

Eastern and southern Australia

Natural Habitat

Prefers eucalyptus forests near bodies of water, but also does well near rural and suburban communities.

Physical Characteristics

  • Long and stocky beak

  • Brown stripes near eyes and crown of head

  • Cream colored belly

  • Brownish-gray wings with dappled iridescent blue feathers

  • Females are typically slightly larger than males and are about 15 inches long.

Quick Facts

  1. Laughing Kookaburras are the largest member of the kingfisher family, but don’t often eat fish. Instead, they’ll hunt snakes, lizards, and rodents and will hold their pray with their beat and smash on the ground or branch to tenderize it!

  2. The call of a Laughing Kookaburra is often used in films to represent monkeys or rainforests, but you almost never see the actual bird.

Exhibit

Education Department

Conservation Status

Least Concern: The Laughing Kookaburra is common or abundant and is likely to survive in the wild.

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Diet

Carnivore