Kookaburra,
a common name for four species of birds living in Australia.
The laughing kookaburra, a stocky grayish bird about 46cm
long, is the largest member of its family. The bird rarely
catches fish, living mainly on large insects, lizards, mice,
small birds, and an occasional snake.
Kookaburras get all the moisture they need from their food;
therefore drinking is unnecessary. They build nests in hollow
trees or a termite mound, which protects the nest from predators.
The breeding period of the Kookaburra is from September to
January. Two - four eggs are laid in the hollow of a tree.
The eggs are laid a day apart, and the incubation time is
anywhere from 24 to 26 days.
The young may stay in the family for several years, helping
to raise and protect new members to the family.
These kookaburras can live 20 years or more. Click on me and you should hear me laugh
Their habitat tends to be forests, woodlands and many suburban
areas.
Its raucous call, which inspired its common nickname
of "laughing jackass", is often heard on television and motion
picture soundtracks to typify 'jungle sounds.
'When the kookaburra 'laughs', it is claiming a territory
which it shares with other family members.
Information
has been collected from various sources for the benefit
of our many visitors, within Australia & Overseas.
Reference sources: In particular: MS Encarta, MS Dangerous
Creatures,
Websters Australian Mammals & other Reference Books.
