Kookaburras are terrestrial tree kingfishers of the genus Dacelo native to Australia and New Guinea, which grow to between 28–42 cm in length. The name is a loanword from the Wiradjuri guuguubarra, onomatopoeic of its call. The loud distinctive call of the Laughing Kookaburra is widely used as a stock sound effect in situations that involve a bush setting.
They are found in habitats ranging from humid forest to arid savanna, as well as in suburban areas with tall trees or near running water. Even though they belong to the larger group known as "kingfishers", kookaburras are not closely associated with water. This laughing kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae) is a large robust bird occupying dry eucalypt forest, woodland, city parks and gardens. Here it is perching on a gum tree in the Darebin Parklands in Melbourne's inner northeastern suburbs.
This post is part of the Saturday Critters meme.
A delightful bird and one which we saw almost every day during our recent trip to Australia. They certainly are opportunistic feeders and seem to eat just about anything they can handle.
ReplyDeleteHello. It looks noble and beautiful bird.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots of this handsome fella. I doubt I will ever see one in person, so happy to see these pics. Happy Saturday!
ReplyDeleteThe head a beak seem too large for the body. Interesting bird. We get a Kingfisher here at the cabin on rare occasions during the summer. - Margy
ReplyDeleteI have never seen one, but I've sung the song!
ReplyDeleteI like visiting where it isn't winter!
(ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!
Hello, great captures of your Kookaburra. They are cool birds. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. I've been away and still catching up with my comments and blog visits. I appreciate your comment and visit to my blog. Have a happy day and week ahead.
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