FAMILY NAME: Halcyonidae SCIENTIFIC NAME: Dacelo novaeguineae SUBSPECIES: none
SIZE: 40 to 47cm. (16 to 19") tip to tail.
LOCATION: Found over the eastern half of the continent of Australia, and in the south western corner. It is also found in Tasmanian, where it has been introduced.
BREEDING: Breeding season is from August to January. Both the male and female incubate and feed their young. It is believed they mate for life. Nests are built in tree hollows or in arborial termite mounds.
GENERAL: These birds have a strong bill, which is brown above and paler below. The underparts and head are whitish, with the crown speckled with brown, and a brown eyeline. The back and wings are brown, with some metallic blue spotting on the wings. The tail is rufous with brown barring. The most distinctive thing about this bird is its call. Starting out with a low cackle, rising to loud laughter, then fading away to a low cackle again. Their habitat is very varied.
References:
Michael Morecombe. Field Guide to Australian Birds, Complete Compact Edtion.
Ken Simpson - Nicholas Day. The Birds of Australia.
M. Blakers - S. J. J. F. Davies - P. N. Reilly. The Atlas of Australian Birds.
Birds in Backyards. www.birdsinbackyards.net
