All rights reserved. November, 1917. 



BIRD NOTES: 



THE 



JOURNAL OF THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB. 



The Laughing Jachass. 



By Lt. F. Dawson-Smith. 



Some birds there are wliicli, once seen, can never be 

 forsj;otten. Prominent amont^" them I place the Laughing" Jack- 

 ass ( Dacclo glgas) or giant Kingfisher. It is really quite unique. 

 The general appearance and shape of the bird is so quaint, added 

 to which, nobody could forget its " laugh " when once heard. 



These birds (there are several species) hail from Austra- 

 lia, that land of strange shapes and forms of the animal 

 kingdom. It is, I believe, found in the greatest numbers in New 

 South Wales, where, although not associating in numbers, it is 

 certain to be found in most places, and, in consequence is well 

 known. It has a variety of names, of which, perhaps, " Kooka- 

 burra " and " Settlers' clock " are the most familiar. The latter 

 title is bestowed for its habit of "laughing" at regular intervals. 

 It is a very handsome bird and, in appearance, like a very large 

 kingfisher. It possesses a strong, straight and powerful beak, 

 a kind of crest which it raises when interested or excited; short 

 rounded wings and a rather long" tail. It is not a timid or shy 

 l)ird and it is possessed of an inordinate curiosity, evincing the 

 liveliest interest in anything" that may strike it as being unusual, 

 which occurs in its vicinity. On such occasions it does not fear 

 to approach mankind, and watches what is happening with keen 

 interest. Few people are aware of the presence of the bird unless 

 it happens to " laugh," in which case they are forcibly aware 

 that a Kookaburra is " watching out." It need not be troubled 

 by scarcity of food, as it has a very varied diet. Small animals 

 such as mice, small snakes, lizards, insects, small rats and birds 

 are quite ordinary food. I am sorry to record the fact that the 



