Blue-winged Kookaburra

Overview

The blue-winged kookaburra (Dacelo leachii) is a large species of kingfisher native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea. It is one of four members of the genus Dacelo commonly known as kookaburras and is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Measures 38 to 42 cm in length with a heavier bill than the laughing kookaburra.
• Cream-coloured upper- and underparts with brownish markings, blue wings, brown shoulders, and a blue rump.
• Lacks a dark mask and possesses striking white eyes in adults, whereas immatures have brown eyes and a dirtier appearance.
• Sexually dimorphic with a blue tail in males and a rufous tail with blackish bars in females.
• Produces a call described as a maniacal cackling or barking.

Habitat

Found in open savannah woodland, Melaleuca swamps, and farmlands such as sugarcane plantations. Its range extends from southern New Guinea through the moister parts of northern Australia to the vicinity of Brisbane, including the Top End and the Shark Bay area in Western Australia, though it is absent between Broome and Port Hedland.

Diet

This species hunts a variety of animals on or close to the ground, including insects, lizards, frogs, crayfish, scorpions, spiders, fish, earthworms, small birds, and rodents. It has even been recorded snatching insects flushed out by bushfires.

Did you know?

Kookaburra hatchlings are often highly aggressive in their first week of life, sometimes leading to the youngest chick being killed by older siblings. Additionally, adults are slow flyers and are vulnerable to being struck by cars on country roads.