bird of the day: laughing kookaburra

the laughing kookaburra is a large member of the kingfisher family native to australia.

though there are five kookaburras, the laughing kookaburra is commonly just known as ‘kookaburra’ and is the most familiar of the five to many people. this is partially because of their distinct call. a territorial call of the laughing kookaburra is to make several soft ‘chuckling’ noises, then throw their heads back and laugh maniacally, generally with several other members of the flock joining in.

kookaburras are carnivorous. while they don’t feed on fish or aquatic animals often like other members of the kingfisher family, they have a similar hunting style, waiting on a branch until prey comes by and then diving. they mainly feed on snakes, small reptiles, rodents, bugs, and baby birds.

kookaburras are monogamous and pair for life. their nestlings are raised either in tree hollows or excavated ant nests. sometimes, up to five offspring from previous clutches accompany the parents in raising the babies.

the laughing kookaburra is rated least concern by the iucn. even with development of their habitat, they have stayed common and have adapted well to suburban environments.

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