Laughing Kookaburra Monograph Outline

I. Classification

A. Class: Aves

B. Order: Coraciiformes

C. Family: Halcyonidae

D. Genus: Dacelo

E. Species: Novaeguineae or Gigas

F. Discussion of debate about species name

II. History

A. Discovery

B. How this species was named

C. Aboriginal legends and other stories

IV. Appearance

A. Size

1. Height

2. Weight

3. Wing span

B. Feathers

1. Structure

2. Patterns

C. Male vs. Female

D. Adult vs. Juvenile

E. Confusion with related species

IV. Distribution and Habitat

A. Range and movements

B. Environment type

C. Introductions into new areas

1. Reasons to do this

2. Results

D. Maps

1. 1922

2. 1984

3. 1999

V. Food

A. Types

B. Hunting behavior

VI. Social Organization and Behavior

A. Main breeding pair

1. Monogamy

B. Auxiliaries

C. Care of young

D. Mating behavior

1. Courtship displays

2. Copulation

3. Feeding of breeding female

E. Fighting/Reaction to alarm

F. Roosting behavior

G. Comfort behavior

H. Aerial Displays

VII. Vocalization

A. Description of unique calls

1. Historical descriptions

2. Different types

3. Sound file

VIII. Nesting

A. Season

B. Type of nests

1. Where

2. Materials

3. Appearance

C. Eggs

1. Appearance

2. Laying

3. Incubation

D. Chicks and fledglings

1. Number in clutch

2. Behavior

a. Feeding

b. Social interaction

3. Molting

IX. Mortality and Predation

A. Death of young

B. Natural predators

C. Life span