The Laughing Kookaburra is instantly recognisable in both plumage and voice. It is generally off-white and faintly barred below, with a dark brown back, and light blue scallops on the wings. The tail is more rufous, broadly barred with black. There is a conspicuous dark brown eye-stripe through the face. It is one of the larger members of the kingfisher family. Raises its tail on alighting.