Laughing Kookaburra

http://www.wildlife-australia.com/kookal.html

Dacelo novaeguineae 46 cm

· The Laughing Kookaburra is endemic to the forests and woodlands of eastern Australia.

· Because of its loud calls and large size it is one of Australia’s most familiar birds.

· Early in the morning, as the local kookaburra gang rouses us with their own particular salute to the sun, they are telling all other kookaburras within earshot that they have a territory and that they are ready to defend it. (Source: Environmental Protection Agency)

· Differences from Blue-winged Kookaburra include: brownish crown, dark streak through eye and dark eye.

· It is the world’s largest kingfisher.

· The territorial call can be described as raucous ‘laughter’.

· They spend most of the day on high branches or posts overlooking rainforest clearings or disturbed agricultural areas where they swoop on small snakes, lizards or frogs.

· It is seen singly, in pairs or in family parties.

· Young kookaburras continue to live at home for about four years. During this time their parents put them to good use; young laughing kookaburras perform about a third of incubation and brooding duties for the next generation and supply the nestlings with over half of their food.