Kookaburra

Bird

The kookaburra is a large, terrestrial kingfisher native to Australia and New Guinea, known for its distinctive laughing call. It primarily preys on small animals, including insects, reptiles, and small mammals, often hunting from a perch. As a social bird, kookaburras live in family groups and are known for their territorial behaviour and vocalizations, which help define their territory.

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SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Dacelo novaeguineae

FAMILY:

Alcedinidae

NATIONAL CONSERVATION STATUS:

Least Concern

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Fun Fact:

Kookaburras are sometimes called "laughing jackasses" because their call sounds so much like a hearty human laugh! It’s as if they’re always in on some secret joke—making them the comedians of the bird world. That infectious smile is also mirrored in Ella, whose totem this is. Ella is also a strange bird who likes to collect dead animals. She is known to have at least 1 European mole skull and pinned stuffed insects.