The laughing kookaburra, scientifically known as the giant Dacelo, is known as the symbol of Australian bird life. It is not a very large bird, measuring only about 15-18 inches (39-45 cm) and weighing about 13-16 ounces (368-455 pounds), with females larger than males. They got their name from the fact that they emit a familiar territorial group call at both dawn and dusk, which sounds like a mixture of belly laughs, strings, rattles and toys. These animals can live for 15 years on average and up to 20 years in captivity.
Laughing Kookaburras can be found in eastern and southern Australia, in Tasmania and even in New Zealand. And they will nest in holes in trees and stay there all year round. They prefer dry forests with streams, some will live in backyards, gardens, even in gardens. They will display their goals to others through the bright light and darkness of the “laughter of commotion.” It also requires many other conditions, such as reminding others, pettiness, mating, and finding others.
The funny kookaburra’s diet consists of things like rodents, amphibians, crustaceans, insects, and even small reptiles. They will wait patiently on the perch for passing prey. When he finds something he’s lying down, he lands next to his find and grabs it with his book. Then the kookaburra takes its food up to the perch, where it kills it both against a branch (sometimes dropping it from mid-air to the ground) and softens the meal. Then he will first and whole devour the head of the prey.
A pair of laughing kookaburras will mate for life. The male will feed the female for six weeks before her eggs are laid. 2-3 eggs will be laid in a nest that can be shared with another female. The laughing kookaburra family incubates the eggs all at once. Everyone from the offspring from the previous year who are learning about parental care to other couples who are waiting time to share the territory by caring for the eggs . After about 20-22 days, the eggs will hatch and the fetuses will come into the world. Chickens are often given small snakes to help teach them how to hunt. The offspring will stay with the parents for about four years, helping to protect the territory and raise the offspring until they leave to establish their own territory.
Laughing kookaburras are not an endangered species; indeed they are quite suitable. They still make forests for hunting and nesting. From there dwells the greatest loss and the immediate danger. Such a unique creature deserves to be respected and protected by humans. With enough effort, the kookaburra’s smile will never be compromised.
Resources:
“Laughing Kookaburra” November 5, 2010
“Laughing Kookaburra” November 5, 2010
“Birds: The Laughing Kookaburra” 5 November 2010
