Learning PHP & MySQL, 2nd Edition

Colophon

The image on the cover of Learning PHP and MySQL is of kookaburra birds (Dacelo). This “laughing” bird is indigenous to the eastern woodland parts of Australia, and it derives its name from its distinctive call. Similar to a loud, howling laugh, it sounds as if the bird is saying “koo koo koo ka ka ka.” It typically makes this call at dawn and again in the early evening to mark its territory. The call is also used as a greeting and can get quite loud if groups of the birds meet each other and begin engaging in “conversations.”

A kookaburra is also easily recognizable by its plumage. It has brown feathers on top and cream-colored feathers on the underside and a large, strong, black beak. There is a brown stripe through the eye area. Its wings are brown, tinged with a light shade of blue, and the tail feathers are black. Males also have a darker shade of blue streaked through their tail feathers. The kookaburra is about 16–17 inches tall. Its diet varies and includes insects, lizards, snakes, and small birds. If the prey is small enough, the kookaburra will snap it up quickly and eat it whole; if it’s large, it kills the prey by dropping it to the ground from a high point or by beating it against a tree, rock, or the ground. Friendly and comfortable around humans, kookaburras have been known to steal unattended BBQ or picnic fare, still choosing to beat it against a tree before eating.

Kookaburras are believed to mate for life. An interesting fact is the offspring stay with ...