Kookaburra

Kookaburras are typically between 28-47 cm in length, weighing around 300g.

Found in Australia and New Guinea, kookaburras are highly adaptable. This trait is demonstrated by their diverse habitats, varying between savannas, open forests and suburban areas. Large trees are beneficial to kookaburras as they create nests.

These birds are not selective feeders and enjoy various sources of food such as: lizards, rodents, frogs, small mammals and bugs.

Kookaburras are highly social creatures! They have a great sense of humour and are renowned for their distinctive laughter. Just like most animals, kookaburras may become territorial if they feel their space is being invaded, so always remain mindful of their habitats and they will reciprocate. 

These birds are family-cohesive creatures, remaining together until siblings are old enough to care for themselves. Adult kookaburras commit to breeding pairs for life, establishing territory for their offspring to inhabit. Kookaburra offspring are dedicated helpers, incubating eggs and protecting their territory. 

Kookaburras have a life expectancy between 10-20 years.

Land clearing, wildfires, controlling state permits, and tree removal plans are all factors threatening kookaburras. Urban developments are reducing the space for kookaburras to inhabit, and forest cover is continuously declining. Climate change is another contributing factor as the increase in global temperatures fuel wildfires, destroying kookaburra habitats and increasing the risk of them being hunted by predators.