Kookaburra
The merry kookaburra's distinctive, laughing call is one of the
best-loved sounds of the Australian bush. The kookaburra is a big
bird with a wingspan of up to 90cm - they're the largest (and
loudest) member of the kingfisher family! The kookaburra is
carnivorous, preferring to snack on insects, lizards, small snakes
and even the chicks of other birds.
The crafty kookaburra beats its meal against a rock or branch
before tossing its head back and swallowing it in one gulp. Its
plumage is just as recognisable as its laugh, with off-white on the
bottom and dark brown on the top and a brown stripe sweeping back
from its eyes. Its name comes from the Aboriginal guuguubarra,
which sounds just like its call.
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