Laughing kookaburra facts for kids
The laughing kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae) is a type of kingfisher. They were previously called the laughing jackass and the giant kingfisher.
Breeding
It is thought that laughing kookaburras only have one mate for their whole life.
Looks
They are normally off white with pale brown lines. They have brown wings and back. They look similar to the Blue-winged kookaburra which is found in the same area. male and female birds look similar. They are 43 to 45 cm long and weigh around 0.5 kg.
Distribution
They are originally from eastern Australia. Humans have put them into south-west Australia, Tasmania and New Island. They live nearly everywhere in this area where there are suitable trees.
Food
They eat insects, crustaceans and worms. Sometimes, they will eat small snakes, mammals, frogs and birds.
Relationship with humans
They can become tame and may accept meat from a human's hand.
Images for kids
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Coloured plate with the incorrect legend that was used by both Johann Hermann and Pieter Boddaert
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Kookaburra in Tamborine National Park
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A laughing kookaburra making a hollow for a nest in an arboreal termite nest.
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Large bill and head detail
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In Royal National Park, NSW
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Perched on a silver wattle (Acacia dealbata) in Tasmania
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Laughing Kookaburra in an urban environment
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Kookaburra with a captured gecko in its beak
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Juvenile in Sydney: Juveniles have shorter bills with a dark underside, and a strong white on the wing and mantle feathers
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A captive kookaburra in Maroparque, La Palma, Canary Islands
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See also
In Spanish: Dacelo novaeguineae para niños
