Dacelo novaeguineae

The kookaburra is a famous Australian icon. The kookaburra's laugh may sound jovial, but it is actually used to warn other birds away from its territory. When you hear one kookaburra, look for another, as these birds mate and stay together for life.

Taronga has kookaburras in a number of enclosures around the Zoo. Wild birds are also often heard laughing and seen flying around the Zoo grounds. Taronga cares for many sick and injured local kookaburras, rehabilitating them and releasing them back to the wild.