The Australian Laughing Kookaburra hunts small birds and animals, as well as fish

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Australian Kookaburra

This Kingfisher, called the Kookaburra, has a distinctive beak and is much loved in Australia for its famed laughing birdcall.

They also hunt small animals such as rodents and lizards, sometimes even snakes and frogs.

The sound it makes is difficult to describe, so here is a recording of a laughing Kookaburra by Derek B McGinn (Soundcloud):

Sound of the Laughing Kookaburra

Interesting Facts

• Family: Kingfishers (Alcedinidae)
• The Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae) is known for its rolling and quite loud call.
• This call is actually a territorial warning.
• Usually heard at dawn and dusk, earning the nickname bushman’s clock.

A Hunting Bird

• Carnivorous: hunts insects, worms, crustaceans, small reptiles, frogs and snakes.
• Finds it prey by perching and then pouncing, bumping off larger prey by bashing it against branches or even the ground.

Social Life

• Breed cooperatively — older offspring help raise the next brood.
• Makes nests in tree hollows or termite mounds; clutch size: 2–3 eggs.
• Usually one mate, pairing for life.

Bondi

These birds can be seen throughout the whole of the East of Australia, the one in the photo is sitting on the fence at the Macquarie Lighthouse. More about Bondi Beach Sydney.

Habitats and Range

• Found in woodlands, forests, and suburban areas that have tall trees, or nearby water.
• Laughing Kookaburras can be found in the east parts of Australia**, sometimes in Tasmania, southwest WA and New Zealand.
• Blue-winged Kookaburras (Dacelo leachii) are more common in the north of Australia.

South Bondi

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Topic: Australia Indigenous Life, Arts and Culture

Main Photo: The Australian Laughing Kookaburra hunts small birds and animals, as well as fish