Dacelo novaeguineae
Description
The Laughing Kookaburra is the largest member of the kingfisher family, measuring from 400 to 450 mm in length. The bill is between 50 and 60 mm long: the upper bill is dusky brown, and the lower bill is cream. The head is off-white and marked with a dark brown stripe through each eye and over the centre of the crown. The mantle and wings are dark brown, flecked with light blue over the shoulder. The lower back and rump are barred with russet brown and black, as is the tail. The underparts are entirely off-white, whilst the feet are pale olive-cream.
Distribution
Kookaburras live in woodlands and open forests and occupy the same territory all year round. Old growth trees contain hollows for their nests.
Habits & Habitat
Their diet consists of snakes, lizards, rodents, various insects and invertebrates. They form permanent pairs and family members contribute to incubating the young and providing food for the 2 to 3 nestlings and later to the needs of the fledglings for a further 8 to 13 weeks.
Most young stay and help defend the territorial boundaries and rear and protect further offspring. Kookaburras may live for 25 years of more.
Links and References
Reader's Digest (1986), "Reader's Digest Complete Book of Australian Birds"