Laughing kookaburra

Dacelo novaeguineae

Kookaburra’s predominately congregate in open forest, woodland, parks and gardens.

They are part of the kingfisher family. While not as colourful as some members, beautiful blue patches can be found on the lower part of the wings with a chestnut and black striped tail, white head and underbody.

Kookaburra’s like to eat insects, worms and crustaceans. You may even catch a Kookaburra feeding on small snakes and mammals. Small prey is usually eaten whole, but larger kinds are knocked against the ground or a tree branch first.

These birds are monogamous and pair for life. Male and females are very dedicated parents and take responsibility for incubation and raising their young. Child rearing is really a family affair with children from the previous breeding season assisting in raising new chicks.