Overview

The laughing kookaburra is one of Australia's most beloved birds — a large kingfisher that doesn't need fish, instead sitting on branches and power lines waiting to pounce on snakes, lizards, and mice. Its raucous laughing call, rising and falling in a manic cackle, is the soundtrack to bush mornings.

Kookaburras are cooperative breeders — offspring from previous years help parents raise the next clutch. They are bold around humans, visiting picnic grounds and gardens across eastern Australia.

Habitat

Eucalyptus woodland, open forest, and suburban parks across eastern Australia hold laughing kookaburras. They need tree hollows for nesting and open ground for hunting, and have adapted well to human-altered landscapes.

Countries found

Kookaburra in Australia

Interesting facts

01
Kookaburras' laughing call at dawn is one of Australia's iconic sounds.
02
Despite being kingfishers, they rarely eat fish — preferring land prey.
03
Family groups defend territories year-round with their laughing calls.

Conservation status

LC — Least Concern

Laughing kookaburras are Least Concern and abundant across eastern Australia. They thrive in suburban areas but need hollow-bearing trees for nesting.