The distinctive laugh of the Laughing Kookaburra is one of the special sounds of the Australian bush. Their chuckling voice is what gives this species its name and is a common and familiar sound throughout East Gippsland.
The easily recognisable and loud ‘koo-koo-koo-koo-kaa-kaa-kaa’ is often sung in a chorus with other individuals and can be an essential feature of any dawn chorus.
But the ‘laugh’ is actually a territorial call, warning other birds to stay away. In favourable conditions, they can live for more than 20 years and are believed to pair for life.
Generally off-white below, faintly barred with dark brown, and brown on the back and wings. The tail is more rufous with broad black bars and they have a conspicuous dark brown eye-stripe through the face, with a long beak and large brown eyes.
The brown and white feathers help to blend in with the environment, making it more difficult for prey or predators to see them. They are one of the larger members of the kingfisher family.
Laughing Kookaburras are found in sclerophyll woodlands and forest throughout eastern Australia. They have been introduced to Tasmania, and the extreme south-west of Western Australia.
Sometimes found abundant in parks, towns, and campgrounds, where they have been known to take a sausage off the barbecue.
Feeding mostly on insects, worms and crustaceans, although small snakes, mammals, frogs and birds may also be eaten. When prey appears, the Kookaburra dives down and grabs the prey with its strong beak.
Large prey items such as lizards and snakes are bashed against rocks or trees to kill and soften them before being swallowed.
Breeding from August to January they create nests in any hole which is big enough to fit an adult, such as a tress hollow or termite mounds built in trees.
Both sexes share incubation and caring duties for the clutch of two to three eggs. They live in families, with siblings remaining in the family till they are old enough to look after themselves. Every bird in the group shares all parenting duties.
To protect the Kookaburra’s habitat, retain as many trees as possible around your home. Kookaburras need trees for nesting, roosting and to perch on while waiting for food.
Mulching the garden with leaf litter can create a perfect habitat for worms, insects and lizards, which Kookaburras love to feed on.
BirdLife East Gippsland meets weekly for Monday morning outings. New members are always welcome.
For more information visit the group’s Facebook page and Birdlife Australia events page.
