Species Profile
Blue-winged Kookaburra
Dacelo leachii
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
10–15 years
Length
38–41 cm
Weight
250–370 g
Wingspan
60–65 cm
Migration
Resident
Also known as: Leach's Kookaburra, Barking Jackass
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Appearance
The Blue-winged Kookaburra is a large kingfisher, measuring 38-41 cm in length. It features a pale head, distinctive white or very pale yellow eyes, and vibrant blue wings and rump. The bill is two-toned, with a darker upper part and creamy-yellow lower part.
Males and females look similar overall but can be distinguished by their tails - males have blue tails with white outer feathers, while females have reddish-brown tails with blue-black barring. Both have white underparts, though males show subtle grey markings.
Juveniles resemble adults but have paler crowns and show brown edges on their breast feathers.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Blue
- Secondary
- Brown
- Beak
- Cream
- Legs
- Grey
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Blue-winged Kookaburras inhabit open woodlands, savanna, and forest edges across northern Australia and southern New Guinea. They prefer areas with scattered trees that provide suitable perches for hunting.
In Australia, they are found primarily in the northern and eastern parts of the continent, including Queensland, the Northern Territory, and northern Western Australia. Their range does not typically overlap with that of the better-known Laughing Kookaburra.
Distribution
Diet
Blue-winged Kookaburras are carnivorous, feeding primarily on small reptiles, insects, and occasionally small mammals.
They are known for their hunting technique of dropping onto prey from a perch, using their strong bill to catch and kill their quarry before consuming it whole.
Behaviour
Blue-winged Kookaburras are often seen perched on exposed branches, scanning for prey. They typically hunt by sitting still and swooping down to catch food on the ground.
These birds are social and can be found in small family groups, often engaging in communal roosting at night.
Calls & Sounds
The Blue-winged Kookaburra's call is a distinctive, raucous laugh, similar to but higher-pitched than that of the Laughing Kookaburra.
Their vocalisations often start with a sharp 'kook-kook' followed by a descending series of 'kook-kook-kook-kook-kook' notes, creating a cackling effect that carries far in their open habitats.
Nesting & Breeding
Blue-winged Kookaburras form monogamous pairs and breed during the dry season, typically from August to January. They often nest in tree hollows or termite mounds, which they may excavate or enlarge to suit their needs.
The female usually lays 2-3 white, rounded eggs in the nest chamber. Both parents share incubation duties, which last for about 26-28 days.
After hatching, the chicks remain in the nest for approximately 36 days before fledging. The parents continue to feed and care for the young birds for several weeks after they leave the nest.
Conservation
While the Blue-winged Kookaburra is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces localised threats from habitat loss due to land clearing and bushfires.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving its woodland habitats and monitoring population trends across its range.
Elevation
Up to 1,000 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators include large birds of prey such as wedge-tailed eagles, powerful owls, and occasionally snakes that can access their nests.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them perched on open branches in woodland edges and savannahs
- Listen for their distinctive laughing call, especially at dawn and dusk
- Observe near water sources, where they often hunt for prey
- In Australia, check woodland areas in the northern and eastern parts of the country
Did You Know?
- Blue-winged Kookaburras can live for over 20 years in captivity.
- They are the only kookaburra species found in New Guinea.
- Unlike most kingfishers, they rarely eat fish, preferring terrestrial prey.
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