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Laughing Kookaburra
Dacelo novaeguineae

Blue-winged Kookaburra
Dacelo leachii

Rufous-bellied Kookaburra
Dacelo gaudichaud

Spangled Kookaburra
Dacelo tyro

Kookaburra: King of the Bush

Sarah Legge

CSIRO

2004

"Laughing Kookaburras are the largest kingfishers in the world, and Blue-winged Kookaburras are not far behind. Their size and distinctive shape and posture make them easily recognisable; their comical and personable characters make them readily memorable. They are able to live in a wide variety of habitats, and adapt to living around humans relatively well. This cheerful familiarity has caused them to figure prominently in the psyches and folklores of all peoples who have inhabited Australia. Kookaburras live in family groups marked by the extremes of social behaviour. Whilst in the nest, chicks fight their siblings for dominance and food so aggressively that the smallest chick is often killed. In complete contrast, many adult kookaburras delay their own breeding in order to help their relatives raise young. Kookaburra: King of the Bush provides a complete overview of kookaburras and their unique place in Australian culture and natural history."

Kingfishers & Kookaburras: Jewels of the Australian Bush

David Hollands

1999

"There are ten species of kingfishers and kookaburras in Australia: one of the most spectacular and well-known group of birds. They are raucous, colourful and much loved. This book consists of ten essays, one on each bird, accompanied by spectacular photographs. The book includes field notes of the birds, and distribution maps."