Dacelo novaeguineae

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Family

Alcedinidae

Genus

Dacelo

Species

novaeguineae

Common Names

Kookaburra, Laughing Kookaburra, Great Brown Kingfisher, Laughing Jackass, Bushman's Clock

Distinguishing Features

The laughing kookaburra is distinguished by its laugh. The plumage on the chest is an off-white coloured, just slightly mottled with brown plumage. A brown stripe runs from the beak just under the eye the back of the head, while the wings are mainly brown apart from a stripe of pale blue plumage. The tails has a distinctive horizontal orange-brown and black striping.

Survey Techniques

The distinctive loud call, often heard in the morning, makes the presence of the species easy to detect. Visual sightings are also common. Sometimes birds, of numerous species including the Laughing Kookaburra, may be seen with a metal band around one of their legs, sometimes such bands will have an address for contact should a dead banded bird be found. Scientists use the metal bands to monitor the movement and lifespan of banded birds.

Species Call

Melodic laughter of 'koo-koo-ka-ka-kook'.

Similar Species

The thick beak and body shape is similar to that of the Sacred Kingfisher (Todiramphus sanctus).

Distribution

Extends over most of the eastern half of Australia, including QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC and TAS, as well as the southwestern corner of WA.

Country of Origin

Australia

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

Found throughout the ACT, although most populations occur within Namadgi National Park. Often found within suburbs bordering Nature Parks.

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999.

LSCCES Population

Kookaburras do not like built up areas and most birds were sighted at the ANBG or on BMt and the CSIRO's vegetated areas.

Associated vegetation community

The Kookaburra survives in many habitats, however in the Canberra region it prefers open forest and woodland areas.

Limiting Resources

Kookaburras require tree hollows for breeding.

Breeding

Within the ACT, the species has been observed inspecting tree-hollows starting at mid-July. Dependent young have been observed from the end of November through to the end of April.

Behaviour

Kookaburras are a sedentary species, occupying the same habitat throughout the year. The species is sometimes a co-operative breeder, where mature siblings sometimes aiding in the rearing of infant siblings. Calls are used to communicate with other groups and reinforce boundaries.

Functional Group

The species is mainly an Insectivore, although small vertebrates are also found in the diet.

Food Species

Lizards, Snakes, Insects, Earthworms and rodents all make up a substantial part of their diet.

Predators

Owls, Diurnal raptors, Goannas, Quolls, Pythons, Cats (Felis catus) and Foxes (Vulpes vulpes).

Interesting Fact

The Kookaburra species are the largest member of the kingfisher family and usually live for 20 years or more.