Kookaburra
Dacelo novaeguineae
- IUCN StatusLeast Concern.
- Population65,000,000
- DietCarnivorous, eat Lizards, snake, insects, mice, other birds and raw meat.
- GroupFlock or Riot
- Size45cm
- ContinentAustralia
- Lifespan15 to 20 years
- Weight5kg
- HabitatEucalyptus forests of Eastern Australia
- Scientific NameDacelo novaeguineae
Meet the Kookaburra
They are best known for their unmistakable call, which sounds uncanny like loud, echoing human laughter. Using their call to demarcate territorial borders.
Introducing....
our pair of laughing kookaburras at Wolds Wildlife Park
Did you know?
We all know Kookaburras laugh but what other interesting facts are there about these unusual birds?
In the wild where would a kookaburra live?
Kookaburras usually live in eucalyptus trees in eastern Australia.
Eucalyptus tress are also know as "old gum trees" and inspired the song "kookaburra sits on the old gum tree, merry merry king of the bush is he". This was written by a school teacher for a girl guide jamboree in 1934 and is now sung around the world.
What bird family does the kookaburra belong to?
The kookaburra belongs to the kingfisher family, more specifically the forest kingfishers.
The laughing kookaburra, like the ones that live at Wolds Wildlife Park, are the largest of all kingfishers.
What do kookaburras like to eat
Kookaburras are carnivorous, however, unlike most kingfishers they do not eat fish, they prefer other small mammal, insects, small birds, eggs and reptiles
How fast can a kookaburra fly?
The kookaburra is a slow-flying bird. It can fly up to about 20 miles per hour
What is the laughing kookaburra's nick-name?
Kookaburras hold the nickname of “The Bushman’s Clock,” due to their unique vocalizations. This name occurs because kookaburras are most vocal at sunrise and sunset, and thus could function as an alarm clock.
