Blue-winged Kookaburra

Least Concern

Dacelo leachii

With its booming belly laugh and striking blue wings, this charismatic kingfisher can be found across the Australian outback, hunting from treetop perches.

Visual Identification

Appearance

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.

Size

Length

38cm to 41cm

Wingspan

60cm to 65cm

Weight

250g to 370g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Blue White

Secondary Colour

Brown

Beak Colour

Cream Black

Leg Colour

Grey

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

Distribution

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.

Elevation Range

Up to 1,000 meters

Climate zones

Tropical, Subtropical

Distribution Map

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Breeding

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 82
Strength 75
Adaptability 70
Aggressiveness 65
Endurance 68

Diet

Blue-winged Kookaburras are carnivorous, feeding primarily on small reptiles, insects, and occasionally small mammals.

They are known for their hunting technique of dropping onto prey from a perch, using their strong bill to catch and kill their quarry before consuming it whole.

Behaviour

Blue-winged Kookaburras are often seen perched on exposed branches, scanning for prey. They typically hunt by sitting still and swooping down to catch food on the ground.

These birds are social and can be found in small family groups, often engaging in communal roosting at night.

Vocalisation

The Blue-winged Kookaburra's call is a distinctive, raucous laugh, similar to but higher-pitched than that of the Laughing Kookaburra.

Their vocalisations often start with a sharp 'kook-kook' followed by a descending series of 'kook-kook-kook-kook-kook' notes, creating a cackling effect that carries far in their open habitats.

Nesting & Breeding

Blue-winged Kookaburras form monogamous pairs and breed during the dry season, typically from August to January. They often nest in tree hollows or termite mounds, which they may excavate or enlarge to suit their needs.

The female usually lays 2-3 white, rounded eggs in the nest chamber. Both parents share incubation duties, which last for about 26-28 days.

After hatching, the chicks remain in the nest for approximately 36 days before fledging. The parents continue to feed and care for the young birds for several weeks after they leave the nest.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 10 - 15 years
Max Recorded Lifespan 20 years
0
6
11
17
22

years

The Blue-winged Kookaburra typically lives for 10 to 15 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 20 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

While the Blue-winged Kookaburra is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces localised threats from habitat loss due to land clearing and bushfires.

Conservation efforts focus on preserving its woodland habitats and monitoring population trends across its range.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

Not quantified, but fairly common across range [2]

Global Population Trend

Decreasing[3]

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for them perched on open branches in woodland edges and savannahs
  • Listen for their distinctive laughing call, especially at dawn and dusk
  • Observe near water sources, where they often hunt for prey
  • In Australia, check woodland areas in the northern and eastern parts of the country

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Leach's Kookaburra, Barking Jackass

Family:

Alcedinidae

Predators

Main predators include large birds of prey such as wedge-tailed eagles, powerful owls, and occasionally snakes that can access their nests.

Did You Know?

  1. Blue-winged Kookaburras can live for over 20 years in captivity.
  2. They are the only kookaburra species found in New Guinea.
  3. Unlike most kingfishers, they rarely eat fish, preferring terrestrial prey.

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References

  1. 1 3

    website: BirdLife International. 2024. Dacelo leachii. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22683193A264113265.

    View source
  2. 2

    report, 2001: del Hoyo et al.