Laughing Kookaburra
Scientific Name: Dacelo novaeguineae
Habitat: open forest areas
Diet: rodents, frogs, reptiles, insects, worms, snails
Life span: 15 years average (20 years in captivity)
Young: 2–4 eggs/clutch
Size: 350 g (0.7 lbs)
Kookaburras take their name from their distinctive laughing call, which defines their territory to other birds.
They perch in trees to hunt and caught prey is beaten against a branch to kill and tenderize it.
Kookaburras mate for life. Birds from previous clutches remain to help raise new young.
Kookaburras are beneficial because they help to keep insect populations down.
They are the largest member of the kingfisher family.
What is your zoo doing to help?
Species Survival Plan
The Species Survival Plan (SSP) consists of co-operative, coordinated breeding programs for captive endangered species throughout the world. Species Survival Plans are not a substitute for preserving animals in nature but are a strategy for creating healthy, self-sustaining, captive populations that can be reintroduced into restored or secured habitats.
Learn more about this species:
These are some other websites that we think have more great information about this species.
Laughing kookaburra on Animal Diversity Web
For More Information
Edmonton Valley Zoo
13315 Buena Vista Road (87th Avenue)
PO Box 2359
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2R7
| attractions@edmonton.ca |
Range
Range: eastern and southern Australia
Status in the Wild
Status: thriving
