Australian Animal Facts: Kookaburra - Why are they Fatal Road Kills?

Kookaburras as Road Kill

Laughing Kookaburra in Flight

What is a Kookaburra?

The Kookaburra, the world's largest kingfisher but it doesn't hunt fish. Instead it preys on snakes, frogs, lizards and large insects. Its about 18 inches (45cm) long and weighs about 1lb (.5kg). 

Why is the Kookaburra prone to Vehicle Strikes?

Being a carnivorous bird the Kookaburra is also an opportunist and will try to eat road prey knocked down by passing road vehicles. Unfortunately the kookaburra is a slow flier. It finds it very difficult to quickly get airborne and get out of the way of oncoming traffic.

Unfortunately as a consequence the bird itself becomes a road fatality. 

Learn more about the  Kookaburra here...

1.