I’ve written about Kookie, the tailless Laughing Kookaburra before. We keep wondering if the loss of its tail is temporary, but after at least 18 months of no tail, we guess it must be a permanent state. I would love to know if this is a result of genetics or an accident or attack. As I’ve documented before, Kookie can effortlessly fly, so it doesn’t seem to hamper the bird in any way. The other question I would love answered is whether Kookie is a male or a female. It seems there are no marked differences in appearance between male and female adult Kookaburras, so I’m not sure of that either.
The pair of Kookaburras have been seen checking out potential nesting holes. So far, I don’t think they have found a suitable one, which is a pity. If they do, I really hope it is within sight of the house. The photograph above captures them sitting on their favourite branch, just outside the study window – well, about 20 meters away really, but still visible. As I am working on the computer, I see flashes of wings as they dive onto the ground to snatch up tasty morsels. Mornings and evenings we are treated to a chorus of raucous laughter. Such a beautiful sound.
Really like your photo. The sharp colour of the Kookaburras against the muted background makes it seem almost 3D to me. I’ve watched Kookaburras trying to find a nest and have been amazed at the way they land on vertical trunks. Unfortunately they didn’t find anything suitable in view of our windows. Hope you have more luck with Kookie and mate.
Thanks! 🙂
I wonder if they would move into a nesting box?
Good idea! I hadn’t thought about that. It might be worth a try. 🙂
What a beautiful picture and such cute little birds. We have a couple of finches that come to our feeders with no tails right now. I know some birds grow their tails back, but we have seen some with no tails for a very long time and I think those were born without a tail. They seem to make it just fine without a tail but it does seem to take them a bit longer to land on the feeders.
Thanks Mags! The birds are not so little though – they grow to around 19 cm, and their presence is large with the gloriously raucous laughing call.