General

Laughing Kookaburra: Large, noisy kingfisher with dark brown upperparts and brown-washed white underparts. Head and neck are white, and dark brown eye-stripe is conspicuous. Bill is large and two toned with black upper and pale brown lower mandibles. Tail is rufous with broad, black bars. Sexes are similar. An Australian species not reported outside zoos in North America.

Range and Habitat

Laughing Kookaburra: Native to Australia, found throughout eastern Australia, and has been introduced into the southwest corner of Western Australia, Tasmania, Flinders Island, and Kangaroo Island. Introduced into New Zealand between 1866 and 1880. Inhabits woodlands, open forests, and suburban areas.

Breeding and Nesting

Laughing Kookaburra: Two to four white eggs with light brown markings are laid in a flat-floored cavity in a tree trunk or branch. Eggs are incubated for 25 days by both parents.

Foraging and Feeding

Laughing Kookaburra: Feeds mostly on insects, worms, and crustaceans; also eats small snakes, lizards, frogs, and young birds. Picks up large prey and drops it from great heights in order to kill it before eating. Does not drink; acquires water from food.

Vocalization

Laughing Kookaburra: Song is a loud laugh "koo-koo-koo-koo-koo-kaa-kaa-kaa", usually sung in chorus. Other sounds range from a few chuckles to a pronounced "kooaaah."

Similar Species

Laughing Kookaburra: Does not occur in North America. Any birds seen in the wild are presumed to be escapees.