The spangled kookaburra, also called the Aru giant kingfisher, is a species of kookaburra found in the Aru Islands, Trans-Fly savanna and grasslands of southern New Guinea. Little is known of its family life or breeding biology.
Region
Southern New Guinea and Aru Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Aru Islands and across the Trans-Fly savannas and grasslands of southern New Guinea. It favors open woodland, savanna with scattered trees, riparian strips, forest edges, and lightly wooded plains. Often perches on exposed branches, snags, or fence posts to scan the ground. It will use gallery forests and edges of mangroves but generally avoids dense interior rainforest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also known as the Aru giant kingfisher, the spangled kookaburra is a large land-kingfisher of the New Guinea region. Despite the name, it rarely takes fish and instead hunts from exposed perches for insects and small vertebrates. Its loud, cackling calls carry across open savannas, especially at dawn and dusk. Much of its breeding biology remains poorly documented, but it likely resembles its close relatives.
Temperament
territorial and bold
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Pairs defend territories vocally and through display. Breeding biology is poorly known, but it likely nests in tree cavities or arboreal termite mounds similar to other kookaburras.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, ringing series of cackles and chuckles that rise and fall in chorus. Dawn and dusk choruses can carry long distances across open habitats.
