Police and the RSPCA WA have commenced an investigation after a kookaburra that was a regular at a WA tavern was killed in front of shocked patrons on Friday evening.

'Kevin' the kookaburra was well known to staff and owners at the Parkerville Tavern, 32km east of Perth, with a photo of the animal and its cheeky eating habits posted at the venue.

"Meet one of our locals (he's still out there). He has a love for the Parky Steak Sandwich and fish. He is loathed to buy his own and whenever possible, will sneak up and steak yours," the pub notice said.

"Please be mindful of your precious steak sandwich and meals in the garden and in the meantime, we shall continue our negotiations with this chap in the hope that he learns some table manners."