102: Laughing Kookaburras & the Science Behind Australia’s Most Famous Bird | Jenna McCullough

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we explore the fascinating world of the Laughing Kookaburra—Australia’s iconic “laughing bird” known for one of the most recognizable bird calls on Earth.Joining us is ornithologist Jenna McCullough, a third-generation birder with a PhD in Biology from the University of New Mexico. Jenna is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Kentucky and soon beginning a National Science Foundation fellowship at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and University of California, Los Angeles.Together with Field Museum ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett, we discuss Laughing Kookaburra behavior, habitat, bird calls, evolution, and why these birds are such beloved symbols of the Australian bush. We also explore how kookaburras fit into the kingfisher family, despite living far from water compared to many other kingfishers.The conversation also highlights the new Kingfisher Exhibit at the Field Museum, where Jenna, Shannon, and John all contributed their expertise and research.If you love birding, birdwatching, Australian birds, bird calls, kingfishers, ornithology, wildlife science, and fascinating bird facts, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky