Bruce & Sheila, our Laughing Kookaburras, can at times be heard laughing but not at our visitors, it is in fact their call. They do this call to defend their territory! They have lived together since 2010 when Sheila moved to the park from Lotherton Bird Garden.
Laughing Kookaburras are native to eastern mainland Australia, but has also been introduced to parts of New Zealand, Tasmania & Western Australia.
Their wild diet mainly consists of lizards, insects, worms & snakes.
Breeding occurs around October & November in unlined or evacuated holes in termite nests. Normally 3 eggs are laid in a clutch. Up to 5 older fledglings will stay and help raise the young & learn how to be parents.
Luckily this bird’s wild population is stable and seems to thrive in the presence of humans.
The Kookaburra is the largest member of the kingfisher family.
Their famous ‘laugh’ is used to establish territory among family groups. It will start as a hiccup then turn into raucous laughter, others will often join in.
Australians are proud of their famous bird; Olly the Kookaburra was one of three mascots for the 200 Olympic Games in Sydney.
