Kookaburra

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Kookaburras
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Coraciiformes
Family:	Halcyonidae
Genus:	Dacelo Leach, 1815

Kookaburras are birds of the genus Dacelo. It is the best-known bird of Australia. There is even a popular song about it. The kookaburra is also called the "laughing jackass."

Taxonomy

• Genus Dacelo
  • Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae)
  • Blue-winged Kookaburra (Dacelo leachii)
  • Spangled Kookaburra (Dacelo tyro)
  • Rufous-bellied Kookaburra (Dacelo gaudichaud)

Habitat

Kookaburras originally lived in Australia and New Guinea. Some were brought by humans to New Zealand between 1866 and 1880; but only those that were freed by Sir George Grey on Kawau Island are still there today.

Life

Kookaburras usually eat small animals: small mammals (like mice), insects, small birds, lizards and snakes.

Kookaburras usually live in family groups. Young kookaburras help their parents to hunt and care for the smaller children.

Kookaburras are well known for their loud call, which sounds a bit like human laughter. Kookaburras use their calling to show others their territory.