Description: White and brown bird with blue markings on wings and black bands on tail; 15 to 17 inches long

Habitat: Eucalyptus forests, cleared farmlands and urban areas

Diet: Small vertebrates and invertebrates

Reproduction: Lays 2-3 white eggs; nests in tree cavities

Did you know...

The Laughing Kookaburra is the largest member of the kingfisher family. Its name comes from its noisy call, which sounds similar to a person laughing. Although this can be heard at any time throughout the day, kookaburras are most vocal around dawn and dusk.

Like most kingfishers, Laughing Kookaburras hunt by sitting patiently on a perch and waiting for prey to pass by. Laughing Kookaburras will eat insects and other invertebrates, but they are also capable of capturing larger meals. When a kookaburra catches an animal such as a snake or lizard, it will first beat the animal against a rock or tree before swallowing it head first.

Laughing Kookaburras live together in small groups that usually consist of a breeding pair and their offspring from previous seasons. They all help to defend their territory from other kookaburras.