Laughing Kookaburra
Dacelo novaeguineae
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Laughing Kookaburra is a large, stocky bird with a distinctive oversized head and strong, dagger-like bill. Its upperparts are predominantly brown with blue-tinged wings, while the underparts are white with subtle brown barring.
Females are usually larger and have less blue on the rump than males. Otherwise, both sexes look similar, with a dark brown eye stripe and blue-tinged tail feathers. Juveniles resemble adults but have a paler bill and less defined markings.
Size
Length
41cm to 47cm
Wingspan
61cm to 66cm
Weight
190g to 465g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown White
Secondary Colour
Blue Black
Beak Colour
Brown
Leg Colour
Brown
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Laughing Kookaburras are native to eastern and southern Australia, inhabiting a variety of woodland habitats, including eucalyptus forests, open woodlands, and savanna woodlands. They have also been introduced to parts of Western Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand.
These adaptable birds are commonly found in suburban areas, parks, and farmlands across their range, thriving in human-modified landscapes as well as natural habitats.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 900 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical, Temperate
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Laughing 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 in flight, particularly demonstrated by their ability to swoop accurately to catch prey from a stationary position. Their stocky build allows for quick, controlled movements whilst hunting.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Quite powerful for their size, with a robust build and strong dagger-like bill capable of subduing substantial prey including snakes and lizards. Their ability to beat larger prey against branches demonstrates significant upper body strength.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Highly adaptable species thriving across various habitats from natural woodlands to urban environments. Successfully colonised introduced territories and readily adjusts to human-modified landscapes, showing remarkable behavioural flexibility.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Shows notable territorial behaviour and hunting aggression, particularly when defending their territory or hunting prey. Their predatory nature and willingness to tackle dangerous prey like snakes indicates significant aggressive tendencies.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Whilst capable of sustained hunting activities and territorial defence, they primarily employ a 'sit-and-wait' hunting strategy rather than prolonged pursuit. Their relatively sedentary lifestyle suggests moderate rather than exceptional endurance.
Diet
Laughing Kookaburras are carnivorous, feeding primarily on snakes, lizards, small mammals, and large insects.
They use their strong beak to catch and kill prey, often beating larger items against branches before swallowing them whole. They also occasionally eat fish and nestling birds.
Behaviour
Laughing Kookaburras are known for their territorial behaviour, often perching prominently on tree branches or power lines. They hunt by sitting motionless, then swooping down to catch prey.
These birds are social, living in family groups and engaging in cooperative breeding.
Vocalisation
The Laughing Kookaburra's call is one of the most distinctive bird sounds in Australia.
Their famous 'laugh' is a loud, raucous 'kook-kook-kook-ka-ka-ka' that often starts low and rises to a high-pitched, maniacal cackle. This call is typically used to mark territory and can often be heard at dawn and dusk.
Nesting & Breeding
Laughing Kookaburras form monogamous pairs and breed cooperatively, with offspring from previous years helping to raise new chicks. The breeding season typically occurs from August to January in Australia.
Nests are built in tree hollows, termite mounds, or occasionally in artificial nest boxes. The female lays 2-4 white eggs, which both parents and helpers incubate for about 24-26 days.
Chicks fledge after about 32-40 days but may remain with their parents for several months, learning essential hunting skills before becoming independent.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Laughing Kookaburra is listed as Least Concern, habitat loss and fragmentation pose potential threats. In some areas, they face competition from introduced species.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable woodland habitats and monitoring population trends.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their distinctive laughing call, especially at dawn and dusk
- Look for them perched on high vantage points in open woodlands
- Observe their hunting behaviour near open grassy areas
- In Australia, check parks and suburban areas where they're often found
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Giant Kingfisher, Laughing Jackass
Family:
AlcedinidaeAverage Lifespan
10 to 15 years
Max Lifespan
26.8 years [4]
Predators
Adult Laughing Kookaburras have few natural predators, but their eggs and chicks may fall prey to goannas, snakes, and introduced species such as cats and foxes.
Did You Know?
- Laughing Kookaburras can live for over 20 years in captivity.
- They are the largest member of the kingfisher family.
- Their 'laughing' call has been used in many Hollywood films to represent jungle sounds, even in movies set in Africa or the Americas where kookaburras don't naturally occur.
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2024. Dacelo novaeguineae. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22683189A253968941.
View source - 2 4
report, 2019: Woodall
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