FaunaHub

Kookaburra (genus Dacelo)

BirdKingfisherCarnivore

Laughing kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae) perched, Tasmania.

Laughing kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae), Tasmania.

Image: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Overview

Kookaburras are large, stocky kingfishers of the genus Dacelo, native to Australia and New Guinea. They are best known for their loud, cackling call that sounds remarkably like human laughter. The animal shown here is the laughing kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae), the largest and most familiar species.

Unlike the fishing kingfishers, kookaburras are woodland birds that hunt on land, taking insects, reptiles, and other small animals. They are an iconic part of the Australian soundscape.

Conservation note: the laughing kookaburra is widespread and common across its range and is not of conservation concern; other kookaburra species vary. Verify specifics at iucnredlist.org.

Habitat & Range

Laughing kookaburras live in open woodland, dry forest, parks, and gardens across eastern and southwestern Australia, and have been introduced to some other areas. They favour habitats with trees for perching and nesting and open ground for hunting.

Diet

Kookaburras are carnivores that hunt from a perch, dropping onto prey on the ground. They eat insects, worms, lizards, snakes, frogs, rodents, and other small animals, often striking prey against a branch before swallowing it. They are famed for tackling sizeable prey for their size.

Behavior

Kookaburras are social and often live in family groups that defend a territory together, with older offspring helping to raise new young. Their territorial “laughing” chorus, given especially at dawn and dusk, advertises the group's presence. They are sedentary, staying in the same area year-round.

Human Interaction & Conservation

Kookaburras are familiar around Australian towns and gardens and are a cultural icon. Feeding them human food is discouraged because it is poor for their health and alters natural behaviour. The laughing kookaburra remains widespread; for current status, consult authoritative sources.

More photos of the kookaburra

Laughing kookaburra showing its large head and stout bill.

Laughing kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae).

Image: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently Asked Questions — Kookaburra

Is a kookaburra a kingfisher?
Yes. Kookaburras are large members of the kingfisher family (Alcedinidae). Unlike the famous fishing kingfishers, however, they are woodland birds that hunt prey on land rather than diving for fish.
Why do kookaburras laugh?
The famous laughing call is mainly territorial. Family groups use the loud, cackling chorus — often at dawn and dusk — to advertise and defend their territory to neighbouring groups, rather than out of any kind of amusement.
What do kookaburras eat?
Kookaburras are carnivores that eat insects, worms, lizards, snakes, frogs, and small mammals. They hunt from a perch, swoop down onto prey, and often beat larger prey against a branch before eating it.
Do kookaburras live in family groups?
Yes. Laughing kookaburras are often cooperative breeders, living in family groups in which older offspring help defend the territory and care for younger chicks.

Sources and further reading

Authoritative wildlife references used for general educational context. Conservation status should always be verified against current IUCN Red List data. External links open in a new tab.