Photograph of Laughing Kookaburra

-- The Laughing Kookaburra is instantly recognisable in both plumage and voice. This large member of the kingfisher family measures 40 - 45 cm in length. It is generally off-white below, faintly barred with dark brown, and brown on the back and wings. The tail is more rufous, broadly barred with black. There is a conspicuous dark brown eye-stripe through the face. The chuckling voice that gives this species its English name is a common and familiar sound throughout the birs range. The loud koo-koo-koo-koo-koo-kaa-kaa-kaa is often sung in a chorus with other individuals. The Laughing Kookaburra also has a shorter koooaa, which is normally given when accompanied by other members of its family group.