Blue-winged kookaburra

Overview

Wikipedia

The blue-winged kookaburra is a large species of kingfisher native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea.

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Distribution

Region

Northern Australia and Southern New Guinea

Typical Environment

Occurs across the Kimberley, Top End, Gulf Country, and Cape York Peninsula in Australia, and in the lowlands of southern New Guinea. It frequents open eucalypt woodland, tropical savanna, paperbark swamps, riparian corridors, and mangroves. Often seen around edges of wetlands, clearings, and lightly wooded suburban fringes. It perches low and hunts on or near the ground, taking prey from open patches between shrubs and grasses.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 600 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size38–42 cm

Wing Span58–66 cm

Male Weight0.28 kg

Female Weight0.26 kg

Life Expectancy12 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

The blue-winged kookaburra is a large terrestrial kingfisher native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea. Unlike its famous relative, the laughing kookaburra, its call is a high, trilling series rather than a rolling laugh. It often nests in arboreal termite mounds as well as tree hollows. Pairs defend territories year-round and may be assisted by offspring from previous seasons.

Gallery

Blue Winged kookaburra - Berry Springs - Northern Territory - Australia

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with direct, low flights

Social Behavior

Typically found in pairs or small family groups that maintain and defend territories. Breeding pairs nest in tree hollows or in arboreal termite mounds, where the tough walls provide protection. Helpers from previous broods may assist with feeding the chicks.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A loud, high-pitched, trilling call that rises and falls in a rattling series, often delivered at dawn and dusk. Also gives harsh cackles and chatter during territorial interactions.

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Identification

Leg Colorgrey-brown

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Streaked buff and brown crown with pale face and strong dark eye-stripe; pale buff underparts. Upperparts brown with bright blue wing patches and blue rump. Tail shows sexual dimorphism, with males having largely blue tail feathers and females more rufous-brown with dark barring.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Takes large insects, spiders, earthworms, small reptiles and amphibians, and occasionally small mammals, fish, and crustaceans. Hunts from low perches, dropping to the ground or pouncing onto prey with a swift strike of the heavy bill. Will beat larger prey against a perch to subdue it before swallowing.

Preferred Environment

Feeds along woodland edges, open savanna, and mangrove margins, often near water or damp ground where prey is abundant. Uses fence posts, low branches, and exposed stumps as hunting perches.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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