Source and Additional Information

Animal Diversity Web
 
Laura Sholtis
Some rights reserved

Kookaburras are territorial and occupy the same well-defined territory all year long. They tend to congregate in groups of three or more, the breeding pair and helper(s). These helpers, who are mostly male, assist with the nesting duties and help protect the breeding pair's territory. Kookaburras are usually peaceful birds, but there are some symbolic aggressive acts present in the territory such as sparring, which results in forming a dominance hierarchy within the family. Sparring is where two birds grasp bills and twist and turn to show an act of strength and dominance. It is ended when the loser has either been thrown off the perch or has given up and flown away. The breeding pair is always the most dominant with the oldest auxiliary following behind. Between the new young, dominance is established in early sparring matches.

(Parry, 1970)

VOCAL BEHAVIOR: The Kookaburra has a unique song that is commonly related to a full boisterous human laugh. The song's cycle starts with a low chuckle 'ooo' and then goes into a high 'ha ha ha' and then back into a low chuckle. It is a communal (shared with neighbors) laugh and can usually be heard in the early morning and early evening. It is a yearlong song, especially present during the few months before the breeding season. Dacelo gigas also has six distinctive calls: chuckle, chuck, squawk, soft squawk, cackle, and kooaa. These are used in territorial, tense, or excited behaviors and are used to communicate information only to family members, not to neighbors.

(Parry, 1970; Alcock, 1988)