ExploreBirds

Blue-winged Kookaburra

Dacelo leachii

The Blue-winged Kookaburra is a cheerful bird known for its loud, laughing call. With bright blue wings and a friendly face, it loves to perch on trees and watch for tasty insects to eat.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Blue-winged Kookaburra has a creamy-white belly contrasted with a dark brown cap and striking sky-blue feathers on its wings. Its pale eyes give it a watchful appearance, making it distinct from other kookaburras.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCoraciiformesFamilyAlcedinidaeGenusDacelo
Blue-winged Kookaburra
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Blue-winged Kookaburra

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Blue-winged Kookaburras are Australia's largest species of kingfisher.

Older siblings often help their parents raise new baby kookaburras.

Their 'laugh' is a loud territory call, not a sign of happiness!

They often bash big prey against a branch to stun it before eating!

Special abilities

Ability

Laughter Call

Blue-winged Kookaburra can make a loud, cackling 'laugh' because of its unique vocal cords, used for territorial calls.

Ability

Pinpoint Predator

Blue-winged Kookaburra can spot tiny prey from high branches thanks to its keen eyesight, helping it hunt efficiently.

Ability

Venomous Prey Tamer

Blue-winged Kookaburra has a strong, dagger-like beak that helps it safely subdue even dangerous snakes and lizards.

Measurements & details

Length
38-46 cm
Wingspan
64-70 cm
Weight
0.26-0.33 kg
Lifespan
12-15 years
Top Speed
40 km/h
Clutch Size
2-4
Incubation
25-26 days

Diet & Feeding

These birds are hunters, eating insects, reptiles, small mammals, and even fish!

Primary Foods

  • insects
  • lizards
  • snakes
  • small mammals
  • frogs
  • fish

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

hunts

Eastern Brown Snake

Pseudonaja textilis

preys on young venomous snakes

eats

House Mouse

Mus musculus

hunts small rodents in its foraging areas

shelters

River Red Gum

Eucalyptus camaldulensis

often nests in hollows of tall gum trees

eaten by

Wedge-tailed Eagle

Aquila audax

larger raptors may occasionally prey on adults

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don’t try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Blue-winged Kookaburra?

38-46 cm

What is Blue-winged Kookaburra's wingspan?

64-70 cm

How much does Blue-winged Kookaburra weigh?

0.26-0.33 kg

How long does Blue-winged Kookaburra live?

12-15 years

How fast can Blue-winged Kookaburra move?

40 km/h

What does Blue-winged Kookaburra eat?

These birds are hunters, eating insects, reptiles, small mammals, and even fish!

Where is Blue-winged Kookaburra usually found?

Forests

How does Blue-winged Kookaburra hunt?

Ambush

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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