The Kookaburra is a medium sized bird, but large Kingfisher. It lives in woodland and open forest in north-eastern, eastern and south-eastern Australia. It has also been introduced to south-western WA.

It has a dark mask, dark eye and brown upper parts, and a white collar and underparts. There is a pale blue on the wing and the brown tail is barred black. In flight it shows a white band across the wing. The call is a chuckling and a loud "laughing", often made by a group.

Laughing Kookaburras perch on wires or branches watching for insects, frogs and reptiles. They nest in tree hollows or holes in termite mounds. From 1-4 white eggs are incubated fro 24 days by the male and helpers. Unmated young birds, up to 4 years of age, help their parents to incubate and feed the chicks.