The laughing kookaburra is known for its distinctive call that sounds like loud laughter. This iconic Australian bird can be found in habitats across eastern and southeastern Australia. The laughing kookaburra is the largest species in the kingfisher family and is easily recognizable by its call and appearance.
Description of the Laughing Kookaburra
Physical Features
The laughing kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae) is a stocky bird that can grow up to 45 cm in length and weigh around 300 grams. It has a large head with a long, pointed beak and small, round eyes. The plumage on the back and wings is mostly brown with some blue streaks. The belly feathers are white with wavy blue-brown bands across them. The laughing kookaburra has a brown crown and crest feathers that it can raise and lower. The most distinctive feature of the laughing kookaburra is its loud, cackling call.
Habitat and Range
Laughing kookaburras are found in the woodlands and forests of eastern and southeastern Australia. Their range stretches from mid-Queensland down to Victoria and Tasmania. They prefer habitats with plenty of large trees for perching and nesting, and areas near water where they can hunt for food. Laughing kookaburras are sedentary birds meaning they do not migrate and occupy the same territory year-round.
Diet and Hunting
The laughing kookaburra is carnivorous and consumes a variety of small animals. Their diet mainly consists of insects, small reptiles, frogs, rodents and the young of other birds. They hunt from a perch and swoop down on unsuspecting prey on the ground. Kookaburras may also take food directly from the air by flying out and back to their perch. Small prey is swallowed whole while larger prey is bashed against a branch to kill it before being consumed. Kookaburras have also been known to steal food from picnics and barbeques if given the opportunity.
The Distinctive Call of the Laughing Kookaburra
The most recognizable trait of the laughing kookaburra is its unique vocalization. The call sounds remarkably like loud, echoing human laughter. It is commonly described as a “kook-kook-kook ka-ka-ka”. The laughing component involves a series of rapid high-pitched notes while the “ka” part is a long descending note.
Reasons for the Call
Kookaburras make this laughing call for several reasons:
- To establish territorial boundaries
- To attract a mate during breeding season
- To communicate with family members at dawn and dusk roosting sessions
- In response to other kookaburra calls
The call can be heard at any time of day but most often at dawn and dusk when family groups engage in chorusing sessions. The birds take turns calling, with each bird’s call slightly different from the others.
Group Calling Behavior
Kookaburras exhibit communal calling behavior known as chorusing. Songs and calls are used to signify occupancy of territory and for communication between family group members that share a territory. Chorusing occurs most prominently at dawn and dusk when the birds gather in trees near their roosting sites.
The birds take turns calling with their mate and/or family members, creating the effect of raucous “laughter”. Each kookaburra’s call is unique and identifies them to the rest of the group. The chorus serves to mark the territory against neighboring kookaburra groups. Chorusing behavior may also aid in promoting social bonding within family units.
Breeding and Family Groups
Laughing kookaburras are monogamous birds that mate for life. The breeding season lasts from September to January. Kookaburras nest in naturally hollowed out tree trunks or branches, termite mounds, and even in rabbit burrows. The female lays 2-5 round, white eggs over a period of days. Both parents incubate the eggs which hatch after about 25 days.
Chicks hatch asynchronously so they vary in size and ability within the brood. Parents and older siblings all help feed and care for the young. After fledging at about 5 weeks, the chicks remain with the parents for 6 more months as helpers. Kookaburra families make up communal breeding groups consisting of a dominant breeding pair along with offspring from previous years that help raise new chicks. These family groups are integral to the species’ chorusing behavior.
Threats and Status
Kookaburras have adapted well to human altered environments and urbanization. In fact, their population increased with the addition of parklands which provided more suitable habitat. As a result, the laughing kookaburra is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
The main threat to kookaburras is habitat loss from deforestation. They may also face predation from introduced species or being hit by cars in residential areas. Overall though, kookaburra populations remain stable. These beneficial birds have become iconic for their distinctive “laugh” and are viewed as a cheerful part of the Australian bush.
Conclusion
The laughing kookaburra is aptly named for its unique call that resembles raucous human laughter. This unusual vocalization serves several purposes for territory, communication, and social bonding. The kookaburra’s laughing call along with its intriguing family social behavior have made it one of Australia’s most recognizable and beloved birds. Though habitat loss is a concern, robust kookaburra populations continue to brighten Aussie forests and neighborhoods with their cheerful “laughter” each day.