Laughing Kookaburra

Characteristics

The Laughing Kookaburra is a stocky bird with a large head, prominent brown eyes, and a very large bill. Though the female is a bit larger than the male, the sexes are otherwise very similar.  They have a white or cream-colored body and head with a dark brown stripe through each eye and more faintly over the top of the head. The wings and back are brown with sky blue spots on the shoulders. The tail is rusty reddish-orange with dark brown bars and white tips on the feathers. The heavy bill is black on top and bone colored on the bottom.

Behavior

Territorial, they occupy the same well-defined area all year long.  Kookaburras tend to congregate in groups of 3 or more, with helpers assisting the breeding pair on nesting duties and territory defense. 

Did You Know?  

• To show dominance and strength, Kookaburras spar, where 2 birds grasp bills and twist and turn.

• The laughing kookaburra is named for its unique song that sounds somewhat like a full, boisterous human laugh!

Our Animals

We have one male laughing kookaburra here at PPZ. He arrived from the Hogle Zoo WAY back in 1993!