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Blue-winged KookaburraAlternative names: "Leach's Kingfisher", "Blue-rumped Kingfisher", "Howling Jackass", "Queensland Kookaburra" Size: 38-42 cm |
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Habitat |
(for details refer to a field guide) |
Blue-winged Kookaburras populate large parts of the tropical north of Australia and south-eastern QLD. Race "occidentalis" is found in an area constrained by the catchments of the Fitzroy River and the Gascoyne River in WA. The range of race "leachii" extends from the Kimberleys in WA, through the northern half of the NT and Cape York peninsula (with the exception of the Atherton tablelands) and the eastern half of QLD. They are not found elsewhere on the continent or Tasmania.
Blue-winged Kookaburras are usually found in open woodland or swamps in the tropical north of Australia.
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Sightings |
The only time we have seen a Blue-winged Kookaburra (subspecies "leachii") was during a visit to the Northern Territory, near Darwin in 1997.
L. Tonnochy reports sightings of Blue-winged Kookaburras 20 km north of Townsville, QLD, in the timeframe from January to April 2011 (see photos below).
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Photos |
Near-frontal view of a Blue-winged Kookaburra; the blue edges of
the tail feathers indicate that this is a male bird;
photo courtesy of L. Tonnochy
Lateral view of a Blue-winged Kookaburra; photo courtesy of L.
Tonnochy
Blue-winged Kookaburra in evening sunlight; photo courtesy of L.
Tonnochy
Here a bird seen from straight behind
Blue-winged Kookaburra "leachii" seen near Darwin, Northern
Territory; this is probably a female bird
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Behaviour |
| Social behaviour: Territorial | Mobility: Sedentary/dispersive | Elementary unit: ? |
