Cockatoo

Cockatoo are large parrots with brightly coloured plumage. They are renowned for being loud and destructive, travelling in groups from a few to hundreds. They always make their presence known with their antics, making them interesting and entertaining birds.

Red-tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii)

Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus)

Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo are found in south eastern parts of Australia and are usually heard before being seen. They have a loud and mournful call, which is always exciting to hear. Usually seen in pairs or small groups, they may gather in larger numbers over the winter months. 

These cockatoo are very large with black plumage, solid yellow barring under the tail and yellow patterning under the wing. A distinct yellow blob behind the eye is complimented with a pink eye ring. Females have less prominent crests. 

Carnaby's Black Cockatoo (Zanda latirostris)

The Carnaby's Black Cockatoo is related to the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo but looks distinctly different with white markings on its black plumage.  They are rare, endangered and only found in specific forests in the south western corner of Western Australia. 

These rare cockatoo are distinguished from the even rarer Baudin's Black Cockatoo by their short bill (the Baudin's being long-billed). They are seen regularly within their area but usually flying overhead rather than resting or sitting. 

Glossy Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami)

The Glossy Black Cockatoo is an uncommon small cockatoo that appears to be more brown than black. It is found only in eastern Australia. The female has yellow blotches on the neck and face and both sexes have red or red-orange tail panels. Finding them can be tricky but the best way is to find areas where Allocasuarina and Casuarina trees grow as they feed exculsively on the seeds. 

Baudin's Black-Cockatoo (Zanda baudinii)

The Baudin's Black-Cockatoo (Zanda baudinii) is the rarest of the cockatoo species and is endemic to the southwest of Western Australia. It is classed as critically endangered. The range for the Baudin's is much smaller than the Carnaby's, deep in the corner of WA. It's key habitats include the jarrah, marri, and karri forests of the region.

In the air and perched, they are very difficult to distinguish from the Carnaby's Black Cockatoo. The key is the bill with the Baudin's mandible being much longer than the Carnaby's

Gang-gang Cockatoo (Callocephalon fimbriatum)

The Gang-gang Cockatoo must be the most unusual member of this family. It is uncommon in its range through Victoria and south NSW. The male (pictured left) has distinctive slate grey plumage with red colouring  all over the head, crest and face. The female (on right) has a muddy red and grey crest along with some muted colouring on the breast.

Long-billed Corella (Cacatua tenuirostris) 

The Long-billed Corella is native to south east South Australia and southern Victoria. Interestingly, eBird records numerous 'feral' populations in the far corners of Australia. These are likely to have been established by aviary escapees. 

The sexes of these corella are alike and they are medium sized cockatoos. Bright white plumage is punctuated with bright pink and blue facial markings and pink on the breast which may or may not be visible. They, of course, have a large and long bill. They are loud, sociable and often comical to watch. 

Little Corella (Cacatua sanguinea)

Little Corella are by far the most common and widespread of the 3 corella species. I have seen them in groups numbering up to a hundred and they are very loud. Easy to distinguish from the Long-billed Corella by their short bill and much less pink.  

Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) 

I originate from the UK and my experience of Cockatiel has been pale, quiet and rather dull birds in cages. It has been a revelation to see these stunning birds in the wild. They are gregarious, energetic and charismatic. They can be found in small family groups or larger flocks.

The male (on the left) is striking with a bright yellow face and orange patch behind the eye. The female (photo right) lacks the bright yellow but still may show a tinge. 

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita)

The Sulphur-crested Cockatoo must be the most famous and iconic parrot of Australia. They are widespread and common in the north and east of the country and create havoc whereever they are. Extremely messy eaters, they leave a trail of destruction as they tear up trees when feeding. They frequently annoy humans with their raucous calls, early in the morning. 

The image on the left is of 3 fledgling birds, nervous to leave their nest in a tree cavity. Cockies are very sociable and active, often using that fabulous crest to communicate.

Pink Cockatoo (Lophochroa leadbeateri)

The Pink Cockatoo is probably my favourite cockatoo. Similar to other species in their behaviour but their plumage is stunning ranging from white and pinks to incredible deep pink underneath and on the crest. They are uncommon and found in dry inland areas, as well as on the south coast where the desert meets the sea.  

Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla)

The Galah has the widest range of all the cockatoo with several sub-species. They can be found right across the country and at times are seen in huge numbers. 

Plumage of the Galah is generally grey and pink but can be paler and darker depending on the area and moulting condition. 

And still to find...

Western Corella

Palm Cockatoo