Kookaburra Kookaburra Kookaburras are terrestrial tree kingfishers of the genus Dacelo native to Australia and New Guinea, which grow to between 28–42 cm (11–17 in) in length. The name is a loanword from Wiradjuri "guuguubarra", onomatopoeic of its call. The loud distinctive call of the laughing kookaburra is widely used as a stock sound effect in situations that involve an Australian bush setting or tropical jungle, especially in older movies. They are found in habitats ranging from humid forest to arid savanna, as well as in suburban areas with tall trees or near running water. Even though they belong to the
Red wattlebird a horizontal "appeasement posture" side-on to the aggressor in which it lowers its head, flutters its wings and edges closer to the other bird. As well as smaller bird species, red wattlebirds can mob and chase larger species such as the Australian magpie ("Gymnorhina tibicen"), butcherbirds and currawongs, the black-faced cuckooshrike ("Coracina novaehollandiae"), the olive-backed oriole ("Oriolus sagittatus"), crows and ravens, the laughing kookaburra ("Dacelo novaeguineae") and even small raptors like the collared sparrowhawk ("Accipiter cirrocephalus"). The red wattlebird breeds throughout its range, with nesting taking place between July and December, though occasionally outside these months if conditions are favourable.