These Kookaburra Tattoos Are a Riot

Did you know? The name kookaburra comes from the Wiradjuri word guuguubarra which is based on the bird’s distinctive sound.

Native to Australia and New Guinea, there are five species of kookaburra – four of which are found in Australia, but only three on the mainland. Contrary to popular belief, you generally won’t see kangaroos jumping down suburban Australian streets, but it is more common to find a kookaburra perched in a tree in the back garden.

The kookaburra’s call is a sound synonymous with Australia and is often used in filmmaking and television production, regardless of the setting. If you listen closely, you will hear its call in movies such as The Wizard of Oz and Raiders of The Lost Art.

The emu may appear on Australia’s Commonwealth Coat of Arms, but it is the kookaburra that is popular in tattoo culture. A kookaburra tattoo might evoke memories of your trip to Australia, act as a memory of home if you’ve moved overseas, or even a simple reminder to laugh more.

Pick your tattoo artist wisely and avoid the likelihood of people cackling at a terrible kookaburra tattoo!