Laughing Kookaburra

Dacelo Novaeguineae

Scientific Name

Laughing Kookaburra:  
Dacelo Novaeguineae

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

Kookaburras are found throughout Australia, including Tasmania.

Natural Habitat

They live primarily in forests and nest in hollow trees and termite mounds.

Physical Characteristics

  • They are the largest of the kingfishers. Their heads and bellies are white; they have brown wings, brown backs and dark brown eye-stripes. Their short, round bodies grow to 18 inches long. They have short and stocky legs. The females are larger than the males. Females lay 2-4 eggs that will hatch in about a month.

Quick Facts

  1. Kookaburras throw their heads back as they emit shrieking laughter. This is known as the ‘bushman’s alarm clock”.

  2. Kookaburras are very territorial and mate for life.

  3. Kookaburras live in close-knit family units, where they all look after each other’s chicks.


Kookaburra Korner

Conservation Status

Least Concern: The Laughing Kookaburra is common or abundant and is likely to survive in the wild.

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Kookaburras are carnivorous, eating snakes, lizards, amphibians and small rodents such as mice.