The distinctive, laughing call of the Kookaburra is iconic, often used in movies to evoke the sounds of the Australian wilderness, even though these birds also thrive in suburban environments. For those fascinated by kingfishers and seeking a truly unique avian companion, the question arises: can you keep a kookaburra as a pet? While they may seem like an exotic and untamable creature, the reality is more nuanced, especially for those within the world of private bird keeping.
The Appeal of Kookaburras as Captive Birds
Laughing Kookaburras have become surprisingly well-established in private collections, particularly in places like the USA. Their popularity stems from several factors. Firstly, they are undeniably impressive birds – large, striking, and full of personality. Secondly, they are known to tame readily, adapting to human interaction more easily than one might expect from a bird seemingly so “wild.” In their native Australia, they’re even bold enough to snatch food from barbecues in suburban gardens, indicating a level of adaptability that translates well to captive environments. Adding to their appeal, the stunning Blue-Winged Kookaburra, a close relative, occasionally becomes available, offering another option for enthusiasts.
What It’s Like to Keep Kookaburras: A Personal Perspective
Having cared for a pair of Laughing Kookaburras for several years, I can attest to their captivating nature. They quickly became docile and accustomed to human presence, readily taking food from my hand. Their typical territorial “laugh” transformed into a soft “chuckle” greeting whenever I approached, a charming personalized welcome.
While their loud, laughing call is primarily used to define territory, Kookaburras also vocalize when excited. This behavior can be quite amusing and even useful. To encourage them to perform their characteristic calls for visitors, a simple trick was to show them a treat, like a mouse, and then pretend to walk away with it – or even offer it to their neighbor, a rather grumpy Cassowary, which definitely sparked jealousy!
Both kookaburras would respond with head-tilting curiosity followed by a hilarious chorus of their trademark calls. Kingfishers are known for their upright posture and puffed chests, but my pair seemed to stand even prouder, especially after successfully “persuading” me to give them their favorite treat – mice.
Kookaburra Diet: Replicating the Wild Menu
My Kookaburras thrived well into their twenties on a varied diet designed to mimic their natural food sources. This included mice, earthworms, locusts, chicks, hard-boiled eggs, fish, and crayfish. In the wild, Kookaburras are opportunistic predators, also consuming snakes, lizards, and frogs. While some keepers resort to raw meat or commercial Bird-of-Prey diets, providing whole animals is far more beneficial and natural for their health and well-being.
Important Considerations Before Getting a Kookaburra
While Kookaburras are undeniably rewarding to keep, they are not suitable pets for everyone. They are substantial birds, reaching nearly 20 inches in height with a considerable wingspan. Forget about indoor parrot cages; these birds require significantly more space.
Aviary height is particularly crucial, ideally 15 feet or more. Like all kingfishers, Kookaburras are plunge-divers, hunting by swooping down on prey from an elevated perch. Adequate height allows them to exhibit this natural hunting behavior and maintain their well-being in captivity.
Furthermore, their calls, while entertaining, are powerful and carry over long distances. Prospective owners must consider the potential noise impact on neighbors, as their laughter can be quite loud and frequent, especially during territorial displays or excitement.
Understanding Kookaburra Natural History
The four recognized Kookaburra species (with a fifth species’ taxonomy debated) belong to the “Forest Kingfisher” group, classified within the subfamily Daceloninae. The name “Kookaburra” itself originates from the Wiradjuri Aboriginal people’s word for their distinctive call, highlighting the significance of their vocalizations.
Contrary to many kingfishers that inhabit aquatic environments, most Kookaburras prefer drier habitats. The Laughing Kookaburra, in particular, is beloved in its native eastern Australia and has been successfully introduced to southwestern Australia, Tasmania, and even Kawau Island in New Zealand, demonstrating their adaptability to various environments.
In Conclusion
So, can you keep a kookaburra as a pet? The answer is yes, but with significant caveats. Laughing Kookaburras can make fascinating and engaging avian companions for experienced bird keepers who can provide the necessary spacious aviary, appropriate diet, and understand their unique needs. However, their size, specialized housing requirements, and loud vocalizations mean they are not a suitable choice for the average pet owner. They are a commitment best suited to those with a genuine passion for exotic birds and the resources to meet their specific demands.
Further Reading:
Kookaburra Natural History (National Zoological Park): [Link to National Zoological Park Kookaburra Page – if available, otherwise remove]
Video: Tame Kookaburra Laughing It Up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a250X1mFdRA&feature=related
Laughing Kookaburra image referenced from Wikipedia, originally posted by Richard Taylor.
