Blue-winged Kookaburra
Dacelo leachii
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
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:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Excellent manoeuvrability and precision whilst hunting, demonstrated by their ability to swoop accurately from perches to catch prey on the ground. Their large size doesn't hinder their hunting effectiveness, though they're not as agile as smaller kingfishers.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Robust build and powerful bill enable them to catch and kill various prey including small reptiles and mammals. Their ability to excavate termite mounds and tree hollows for nesting also indicates considerable strength for their size.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Shows good adaptability to different woodland environments up to 1,000m elevation and can thrive in various open habitats. However, they are somewhat specialised in their hunting technique and habitat preferences, requiring scattered trees for perching.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Whilst not overly aggressive, they display territorial behaviour during breeding season and are bold hunters of various prey. Their carnivorous nature and hunting prowess demonstrate moderate aggression, particularly when defending nesting sites.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Capable of sustained hunting throughout the day and maintaining territories in hot tropical conditions. Their relatively long lifespan (10-15 years wild, 20+ captive) suggests good endurance, though they're primarily 'perch and pounce' hunters rather than continuous active foragers.
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.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
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:
AlcedinidaeAverage Lifespan
10 to 15 years
Max Lifespan
20 years
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?
- Blue-winged Kookaburras can live for over 20 years in captivity.
- They are the only kookaburra species found in New Guinea.
- Unlike most kingfishers, they rarely eat fish, preferring terrestrial prey.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2024. Dacelo leachii. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22683193A264113265.
View source - 2
report, 2001: del Hoyo et al.
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