
The laughing kookaburra is a bird in the kingfisher subfamily Halcyoninae. It is a large robust kingfisher with a whitish head and a brown eye-stripe. The upperparts are mostly dark brown but there is a mottled light-blue patch on the wing coverts.
Similar species: Kingfisher, Bee-eater, Rollers
By Ferdy Christant
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Uploaded Jun 13, 2018. Captured May 6, 2018 13:49.
comments (8)
We get these every day... plus that ringer Currawong which I find even creepier close up. Posted 7 years ago
Posted 7 years ago
Notice anything unusual? The Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae) has an extra eyelid, called a nictitating membrane! If you’re a bird, keen eyesight is critical for survival. Many birds lead lives that are hard on their eyes—they dive underwater to capture prey, fly at high speed with wind rushing in their face, and drill into trees in search of insects. Nictitating membranes provide protection from dust and debris, they clean and lubricate, and they prevent retinal damage. They are “nature’s goggles”, and are the perfect example of a fantastic adaptation that protects birds from the perils that accompany their lifestyle. {Spotted by JungleDragon founder, Ferdy Christant} #JungleDragon
Posted 6 years ago