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Kookaburra

SPECIES: Dacelo novaeguneae

Famous for their territorial and communicative ‘laugh’, the Laughing Kookaburra is an iconic Australian species, approximately 40-48cm in size. There are 2 subspecies of Laughing Kookaburra: D.n.novaeguineae and D.n.minor. In both species, adult males have white wing patches in flight and a large bill which is black above and ivory below. They have a dark eye stripe, and a large pale head with brown spots and crown patch. The back and wings are brown, with pale blue mottling on the wings. The rump is often blue, and the tail is barred rufous-brown and black, edged with white, and plain white below. In subspecies D.n.minor, adult males are smaller. In adult females, the rump is brown or pale blue, and the head is more buff.

Laughing Kookaburras are carnivorous, feeding on small reptiles, insects, crabs and fish, as well as other birds from nests and chickens.

Social organisation and Reproduction

Laughing Kookaburras are very territorial and sedentary, usually living in small family groups which co-operate in raising young and protecting territory. Pairs are generally monogamous, breeding from September-December. Nests are usually in a tree hollow, termite nest chamber or in an earthen bank. Females lay 2-4 white eggs and both parents will incubate and raise the chicks.

FIND OUT MORE
OUR ANIMAL FAMILY
ANIMAL FACTS

Kookaburra

GROUP NAME

Flock or Riot

Native To

SIZE

40-48cm

BABY NAME

Chick

Habitat

Laughing Kookaburras inhabit open forests and woodlands, preferring tall trees with hollows.

Did You Know?

Laughing Kookaburras are also called Giant Kingfisher, Laughing Jackass and Settler’s/ Bushman’s Clock

MEET OUR

ANIMAL FAMILY

Dingo

Dingoes do not bark as is the case with domestic dogs. The alpha male and female will usually be the only breeding pair in the pack, with other subordinate members assisting in the rearing of pups.

Wombat

Common Wombats are a short, robust marsupial native to south-east Australia and Tasmania

Koala

Koalas are not a bear, but are in fact a marsupial. Koalas have thick fur that ranges from very light to very dark grey on the head and body, with white patching on the bottom, chest and ears.

Cassowary

Southern Cassowaries are solitary birds, coming together only during breeding season from July-September

Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby

Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies live in colonies of up to 100 individuals, consisting of smaller groups with a dominant male, females and sub-dominant males.

Kangaroo Island Kangaroo

Like other Kangaroo species, Kangaroo Island Kangaroos live in mobs consisting of a dominant male, several adult females and subordinate males, and joeys.

Emu

Emus are the world’s second tallest bird, and third heaviest. They are a flightless species- however they do have small wings which they use to cool themselves.

Kookaburra

Laughing Kookaburras are very territorial and sedentary, usually living in small family groups which co-operate in raising young and protecting territory

Lorikeet

Calling all bird lovers to our walk through Lorikeet enclosure. Enjoy our stunning Lorikeets flying around and possibly even landing on you!

Tasmanian Devil

Tasmanian Devils are primarily solitary animals, living in territories that may intersect other individual’s territories. Each territory will have 3-4 dens, which can be utilised for years, especially by females with young.

Penguin

Little Penguins live in colonies that can have hundreds of members ashore at one time. From June-August, males will come ashore and renovate old burrows or dig new ones.

Red Tailed Black Cockatoo

Red-tailed Black-cockatoos are usually found in pairs, small flocks or large, noisy flocks. During the breeding season, which varies according to geographic location, males will strut across perches with their tails fanned out and their crests up to attract females.

Echidna

Short-beaked Echidnas belong to a unique group of mammals called Monotremes. Apart from echidnas, the only other animal in the world that belongs to this group is the Platypus.

Quokka

Often called “the happiest animal in the world”, Quokkas are a small marsupial related to Kangaroos

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