The kookaburra is native to Australia and New Guinea and is one of my favourite birds because of their unmistakable laugh. When you hear them, it brings a smile to your face and you feel like laughing with them. Tree kingfishers, they're a large bird growing 28–42 cm (11 to 17 inches). Aborigines of the Wiradjuri group called these birds guuguubarra - the English word kookaburra comes from that. The above photo was taken in a childrens' playground.
Merry merry king of the bush is he.
Laugh, Kookaburra, laugh, Kookaburra,
Gay your life must be!
The above words were penned by Marion Sinclair in 1932 and is a well known and much loved children's song..
Today's quote: As I stood on the lonely backroad, I'm sure I heard birds, kookaburras, laughing ... Steven Herrick
Haha, is this the Aussie version of the three wise monkeys?!?!?! Nothing says 'Australia' quite like a kooka!!!
ReplyDeleteThis little bird is such a character. We have some around us daily, often joining us on our verandah. But I think this is the first time I have seen them featured in a children's playground.
ReplyDeleteRed Nomad OZ - Yes, you know you're in Australia when you hear them laughing. They're even better than Vegemite!
ReplyDeleteGemma - You're so lucky to see them on your verandah. It isn't until I get out a bit that I see them.
WOW! What a fantastic bird! Love the name too.
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