Laughing Kookaburra

41-47 cm. Big bill pale below; crown brown, dark brown 'ear patch'; brown eye; brown wing mottled pale blue; older males have centre rump blue-green. Juvenile: shorter dark bill; fine brown scallops. Pairs, territorial groups of a dominant pair and subordinate 'helpers'. Perches watchfully, makes long sloping glides onto insects, reptiles, mammals, crustaceans; occasionally plunges into shallow water when hunting, and commonly when bathing. Flight level, direct; bill, white wingpatches and white-tipped, barred, red-brown tail. In spring, makes high circular display flights over 'enemy territory' with deep, stiff wingbeats.