Dacelo leachii
The Blue-winged Kookaburra is a large kingfisher, measuring 38-41 cm in length. It features a pale head, distinctive white or very pale yellow eyes, and vibrant blue wings and rump. The bill is two-toned, with a darker upper part and creamy-yellow lower part.
Males and females look similar overall but can be distinguished by their tails - males have blue tails with white outer feathers, while females have reddish-brown tails with blue-black barring. Both have white underparts, though males show subtle grey markings.
Juveniles resemble adults but have paler crowns and show brown edges on their breast feathers.
Length
38cm to 41cm
Wingspan
60cm to 65cm
Weight
250g to 370g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Blue White
Secondary Colour
Brown
Beak Colour
Cream Black
Leg Colour
Grey
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Blue-winged Kookaburras inhabit open woodlands, savanna, and forest edges across northern Australia and southern New Guinea. They prefer areas with scattered trees that provide suitable perches for hunting.
In Australia, they are found primarily in the northern and eastern parts of the continent, including Queensland, the Northern Territory, and northern Western Australia. Their range does not typically overlap with that of the better-known Laughing Kookaburra.
Up to 1,000 meters
Tropical, Subtropical
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Blue-winged Kookaburra. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
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