Laughing kookaburra

Latin Name
Dacelo novaeguineae

Class
Birds

Order
Coraciiformes

Description

The laughing kookaburra has a white chest and head, with brown wings, a brown back and brown stripes around the eyes.


 
Range

Eastern Australia


Status

Commmon. Lincoln Park Zoo participates in the Laughing Kookaburra Species Survival Plan®, a shared conservation effort by zoos throughout the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.


Habitat

Woodlands and forests


Niche

The kookaburra feeds on snakes, lizards, insects and rodents, a diet that made it popular with Australian settlers. The bird uses its large beak to grasp prey, which it kills by striking against its perch.


Life History

Laughing kookaburras live in territorial groups of three or more birds. The dominant male and female breed, but nesting pairs receive help from other members of the group in rearing their chicks. Mature offspring feed and protect their siblings before moving on to nests of their own.



ARKive Media

ARKive image - Laughing kookaburra hatchling and eggARKive video - Laughing kookaburra defending nest from lace monitor, feeds chicks at nestARKive image - Laughing kookaburra chick feeding on snake

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Lincoln Park Zoo Exhibit

McCormick Bird House