The Laughing Kookaburra

The Albino Koala

The Kookaburra is the world's largest kingfisher. Their territorial call can be described as raucous laughter. They spend most of their day in trees, on  high branches, usually overlooking the rainforest clearings, and swoop down on snakes, frogs and lizards that they feed on.

The Koala is actually not a bear, or even closely related to one. These little guys are marsupials. The Albino is rare, and is due to a recessive gene passed down by his parents. Fossil remains of koala-like animals have been found dating back to 25 million years ago!  


Cockatoo

Kangaroo

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo

There are some 60 species of Kangaroo's and Wallabies in Australia. Most Australians rarely see a wild Kangaroo in their normal life. Roo's can be quite aggressive if they feel they are being threatened. Their kick can be fatal!

Probably the most well-known of the Australian birds, the Cockatoo is a noisy, screechy bird. They usually feed in large flocks and are gregarious. One screech and the flock lifts in unison. Quite an experience!


Dingo

Dingo

Hairy Nosed Wombat

The Dingo is believed to be the world's first domestic dog, predating the wolf. Dingo's cannot bark, but let out a mournful cry. They live in well defined groups and roam all of Australia except Tasmania. They prey on Kangaroo's, Wallabies, Rabbits, and Wombats. They also prey on sheep, and have been considered pests. To exclude Dingo's from the eastern states of Australia a fence was erected which came to be known as "the longest fence in the world"!

There are two types of Wombats - the Common Wombat and the Plains Wombat. The Common Wombats are herbivores that feed on grass, leaves and roots in woodlands, and are not often seen during the day. Plains Wombats graze on grasslands. They are stocky burrowing animals and are marsupials. They are closely related to the Koala. The Wombat prefers to live alone, and their burrows have been known to be over 20 metres long.


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