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February 16, 2007

Friday Feathers

The Laughing Kookaburra, Dacelo novaeguineae, is a familiar Australian carnivorous bird of the Kingfisher family, well known for its call. Previously known as the Laughing Jackass, it is now best known by its aboriginal name.

This bird has a large head, a prominent brown eye, and a very large bill. It is known for its "laugh" which it uses to greet its mate after periods of absences. It can be heard at any time of day but most frequently shortly after dawn and especially when the color drains from the forest after sunset.

Cindy