Spangled Kookaburras (Dacelo tyro) are found in southern New Guinea and (historically) the Aru Islands in wooded dry savanna, in thickets of Dillenea alata on swamp margins, and in mosaics of monsoon forest, thickets, and Melaleuca savanna woodland, as well as in dense monsoon and riverine forest. They keep mostly to the understorey, feeding mainly from a perch 1 to 4 m high. The Spangled Kookaburra's nest is excavated in a termitarium above the ground (it is possible that tree cavities are used as well). Although the Spangled Kookaburra is relatively common within its range, the restricted distribution make the species somewhat vulnerable.
(Woodall 2001 and references therein)
The spangled kookaburra (Dacelo tyro) also called Aru giant kingfisher, is a little-known species of kookaburra found in the Aru Islands, Trans-Fly savanna and grasslands of southern New Guinea. Practically nothing is known of its family life or breeding biology.
Two subspecies are recognised:[3]
The spangled kookaburra grows to 33 cm (13 in) in length, with females growing slightly larger than males.[4] It has bright blue wings and tail, a white chest and belly, dark eyes, and a striking white-spotted black head. The upper mandible is dark grey whilst the lower mandible is white. Males and females look alike.[3]
The spangled kookaburra (Dacelo tyro) also called Aru giant kingfisher, is a little-known species of kookaburra found in the Aru Islands, Trans-Fly savanna and grasslands of southern New Guinea. Practically nothing is known of its family life or breeding biology.
