Shovel-billed kookaburra kookaburras in the genus "Dacelo". Widespread but uncommon throughout a large part of New Guinea, the shovel-billed kookaburra is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Shovel-billed kookaburra The shovel-billed kookaburra ("Clytoceyx rex"), also known as the shovel-billed kingfisher, is a large, approximately 33 cm (13 in) long, dark brown tree kingfisher with a heavy, short and broad bill that is unique among the kingfishers. It has a dark head with rufous stripe behind eye, a white throat, rufous neck collar and underparts, bright blue rump, brown iris, brownish-black bill with paler mandible (entire bill
War Widows' Guild of Australia NSW industrious and cheerful bird who mated for life, was fearless and aggressive in the defence of its young and the area of territory it regarded as its own. The bird also had a unique call, not a song but a laugh; a chortle of rollicking mirth (to bring the widows back to laughter). Also the kookaburra is a typically and completely Australian symbol, one that could be worn proudly by every widow whatever her creed or ideals. The kookaburra was also the mascot of the 7th Division , commanded by Mrs Vasey’s husband, Major-General George Alan Vasey. Mrs Vasey asked