Laughing Kookaburras (mated pair)

Description:

The Laughing Kookaburra is instantly recognisable in both plumage and voice. 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. It is one of the larger members of the kingfisher family. They feed mostly on insects, worms and crustaceans, although small snakes, mammals, frogs and birds may also be eaten. Prey is seized by pouncing from a suitable perch. Small prey is eaten whole, but larger prey is killed by bashing it against the ground or tree branch. Laughing Kookaburras are found throughout eastern Australia. They have been introduced to Tasmania, the extreme south-west of Western Australia, and New Zealand.

Habitat:

Inhabits most areas where there are suitable trees. These Kookaburras were spotted at Springbrook National Park, an area that is heavily forested and forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area.

Notes:

There was a younger Kookaburra nearby, but it's quite obvious these two are a mated pair anyway. I love their calm and confident spirit, as if they own the bush and nothing worries them. I also love their laugh - it's a great Aussie bush sound.