kookaburra

views updated May 29 2018

kook·a·bur·ra / ˈkoŏkəˌbərə/ • n. a very large Australasian kingfisher (genus Dacelo) that feeds on terrestrial prey such as reptiles and birds. Two species: the blue-winged kookaburra (D. leachii) and the loud, cackling laughing kookaburra (D. gigas, or D. novaeguineae).

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

kookaburra

views updated May 21 2018

kookaburra (laughing jackass) Large kingfisher of Australia, known for its call, which resembles fiendish laughter. Groups often scream in unison at dawn, midday, and dusk. They feed on animals. Species Dacelo gigas.

World Encyclopedia

kookaburra

views updated May 23 2018

kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae) See ALCEDINIDAE.

A Dictionary of Zoology MICHAEL ALLABY

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