Kookaburra


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Backyard Buddies

Encourage kookaburras in your area

Did you know that in many parts of NSW, we share our backyards with one of Australia's most family-oriented birds?

That's right! Despite the larrikin image given by its raucous laughter, the kookaburra takes family duty seriously. It usually stays with mum and dad to help feed, raise and protect their younger siblings for several years.

When a kookaburra eventually starts a family of its own, it will usually keep that mate for life. And that's a real commitment as kookaburras may live for 20 years.

To let other kookaburras know about their home territory, a family group will laugh throughout the day. This is what kookaburras sound like (MP3 - 400KB). Disputes over territory are usually sorted out by one bird from each group flying against each other in complex patterns. Very rarely, these 'war dances' in the air can result in tough physical battles, with the loser often badly injured.

Kookaburras are fascinating long-term locals you can get to know well.

Why kookaburras need your help

A family of kookaburras needs an area with some large native trees and some garden areas in which they can safely search for food. Their home territory may cover more than 100 house blocks and some parkland. But our neighbourhoods do not always suit kookaburras.

What kookaburras like and dislike

Kookaburras love:

Hollows to nest in - big old gum trees have these hollows where a branch has fallen off.
Stout tree branches, as roost sites at night and as guard posts during the day. And as perches used while waiting for prey.
Leaf litter and mulched gardens - lizards and insects live and breed here, giving kookaburras a perfect natural food source.
Safe gardens where they can catch their favourite food, safe from predators.

But they don't like:

Cats, dogs and foxes, which frighten or even attack them if allowed to roam free.Keep large gum trees in your backyard, streets and parks and plant some replacements.

Be a kookaburra buddy

Try to:

Keep large gum trees in your backyard, streets and parks, and plant some replacements.
Use plenty of leaf mulch on your gardens, building up the supply of worms, insects and lizards.
Keep a watchful eye on your dog and cat.

Avoid:

Using pesticides if kookaburras are heard in your area.
Leaving uneaten petfood outside, as it may attract foxes or feral cats.
Letting your cat or dog roam in areas where kookaburras live.
Feeding them, as they can make a fine living on natural food.

Don't be surprised if kookaburras:

Fight within the family - they are practising and confirming the pecking order.
Have their nests disturbed by other native animals. It's only natural.
Perch close to you. They can be bold, but are not usually aggressive.

Laughing kookaburra call courtesy of Nature Sound.

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Photo John Blay

More information

Laughing kookaburra

See a few more kookaburra facts