The laughing kookaburra is a large, stocky kingfisher of eastern Australia, famous for its raucous, laughing call. It is one of Australia’s best-known birds and a common sight in parks and gardens.
Interesting facts
- It is the largest member of the kingfisher family.
- Its call has earned it the nickname ‘bushman’s alarm clock’.
- Despite being a kingfisher, it rarely eats fish.
- Kookaburras kill snakes and lizards by bashing them against branches.
- Young from previous years often stay to help their parents raise new chicks.
- Its call is often used in films to give a jungle atmosphere, even when set outside Australia.
Behaviour
Kookaburras live in family groups that defend territories year-round. They hunt by perching and watching the ground, then swooping down to grab prey.
Breeding and young
Pairs nest in tree hollows or termite nests in trees, laying two or three eggs. Parents and helpers share incubation and feeding. Chicks fledge after about five weeks.
Threats and conservation
The species is common. Local threats include loss of tree hollows, road deaths and competition for nest sites.
Where to see it
- Lamington National Park, Queensland
- Blue Mountains, New South Wales
- Parks and suburbs of Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne
- Almost any eucalyptus woodland in eastern Australia
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
