KOOKABURRA

Laughing  Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae

 

 It has one of the most iconic of all bird calls in Australia.

 

As a child I would watch the Movietone News if I was ever lucky enough to go to 'The Pictures' on a Saturday afternoon. I remember fondly the introduction to each episode featuring the images and voices of the kookaburras. Those of you who are old enough might also remember seeing and hearing them.

 

 

They are beautiful birds, despite their rather dumpy bodies and their large heads. Large and dumpy they may seem but wonderfully balanced as they sit quietly and patiently on a tree branch, ever watchful to see what is moving around on the ground below. 

 Despite their loveliness they are great hunters, swooping to the ground to take small, sometimes large snakes, lizards, mice, small birds, small mammals and insects. 

 

 

Lucky are the households who have regular visits from a local family of Kookaburras.