Kookaburra in Gum Tree

Kookaburra in Gum Tree

Kookaburra are a type of king fisher bird that is native to Australia.  They are 42 cm or 11-17 inches long.  They have a loud call that sounds like a loud laugh.  They live in many different environments... even the urban areas.  Even though they are a type of king fisher. . . they are not neccesarily around water a lot.  They eat a very carniverous diet . . . including:  other birds (especially the young), mice, snakes, lizards, insects, and of course fish.  They even have been seen catching goldfish from outdoor ponds.  

Kookaburra photo from Riverbanks Zoo, Columbia, South Carolina

(I took this photo last week.  It was my primary source for my drawing.

You could use this as a reference if you want to color the drawing accuratrely.  .   . 

however, I will admit that the Kookaburra is not very colorful.)

Kookaburra from Adelaide Zoo in Adelaide , South Australia
(My wife took this photo in 1985.  This was before we had ever met.
She had gone to Australia on vacation.
WE are getting to go to Australia together this summer!)

NOTE:  Printable versions of this drawing are found  by clicking on the button at the top of the page labeled "Animals"   .   .   .   OR .   .   . you could click on "All Printables"   New drawings are found at the bottom of the correct list. 

There is a song from my childhood.  Even though I grew up in Utah, USA, we sang this song in 5th and 6th grade chior.  As I mentioned above, the kookaburra has a distinctive laugh that is mentioned in the song.   The song title is the first line of the lyrics:  

Kookaburra sits on the old gum tree,

Merry merry king of the bush is he.

Laugh, Kookaburra, laugh, Kookaburra,

Gay your life must be!