Page 80 - Atlas Of The World's Strangest Animals

80 ATLAS OF THE WORLD’S STRANGEST ANIMALS

The laughing kookaburra takes its name from its disinctive They live in family groups, and the fledglings from one
and unusual call: koo-koo-koo-kaa-kaa-KAA!-KAA!-KAA!! breeding season often stay in the family group, helping to
Interestingly, these birds tend to call out in unison rather raise the next generation of chicks. So, in effect, what the
than singly. kookaburra families are saying is:‘Here we are’ and ‘We’re
Generally one bird begins the distinctive call, with a low, big and loud, and you don’t want to mess with us’. If a
choked chuckle, before throwing its head back in a fit of rival family group is within earshot, they’ll usually reply,
uncontrolled laughter. Other members of the group until the whole area is ringing with hoots of hysterical
quickly add their own voices to the rising chorus, to laughter. It is a sound that cannot be ignored – and can be
create a raucous row.This amazing ‘alarm call’ is usually inimidating to those who aren’t expecting it.
heard just after after dawn or dusk, which is why the The call of the laughing kookaburra is such a famous
laughing kookaburra is also known by another, equally feature of the Australian bush that it’s been immortalized
evocative nickname – the Bushman’s Clock. in a popular children’s song:‘Kookaburra sits in the old
The reason that these beautiful birds create such a gum tree, Merry merry king of the woods is he! Laugh
kerfuffle is to establish and maintain their territorial claims. Kookaburra, Laugh Kookaburra! How gay your life must

Kookaburras are patient, highly skilled ambush-hunters.They A snake makes a tasty titbit and kookaburras have a special
are kingfishers but, unlike their European relatives, they hunt technique for dealing with such slippery – and potentially
over land not water. poisonous –prey.

By thrashing the snake, repeatedly, against the hard earth, the Now the kookaburra is free to eat without fear of
kookaburra quickly stuns, and eventually kills, its writhing being bitten.This serpentine snack goes down very well –
midday meal. and whole!

(c) 2011 Marshall Cavendish. All Rights Reserved.