What do Black Cockatoos look like?
There are six different species of Black Cockatoos in Australia but only two of them are common: the Red and Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoos.
Red-Tailed Black Cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus banksii) can be easily identified by their red tail feathers. Male cockatoos are entirely black except for the identifying red feathers. Females have black and orange bands and pale spots on their feathers.
The Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus) on the other hand can be identified by the yellow edges of their black feathers. The female also has yellow checks and yellow panels on their tails. Young cockatoos resemble the females.
Other species of Black Cockatoo you might see include:
Glossy Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami), Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Baudin’s Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus baudinii).
Where are Black Cockatoos found?
Black cockatoos are common all across Australia.
The Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo is found along south-eastern Australia. Red-tailed Black Cockatoos occur across Australia from the Kimberleys, Queensland down to Darling River.
Fast facts:
- These large parrots can live for up to 50 years but they are very slow at reproducing.
- All Black Cockatoos are sociable and enjoy hanging out in large groups but they are also happy spending quality ‘couple time’ with their partners.
Black Cockatoos – the full story
There are six different species of Black Cockatoos in Australia but only two of them are common: the Yellow and Red-Tailed Black Cockatoos.
Other species of Black Cockatoo include the Glossy Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) found in declining populations in NSW, Victoria, QLD and SA and two species found only in Western Australia, the Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Baudin’s Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus baudinii). There is also a sub-species of Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus) that is found only on the very tip of Cape York and rarely seen.
All Black Cockatoos are sociable and enjoy hanging out in large groups but they are also happy spending quality ‘couple time’ with their partners.
These large parrots can live for up to 50 years but they are very slow at reproducing. The female will lay a couple of eggs but only one will survive. Any interference with their nests from logging and deforestation or poachers stealing their babies, has a BIG impact on the population size of these slow reproducing birds.
The male Black Cockatoo has a bigger crest than the female and when it’s mating season he will fluff himself up and bob his head up and down to impress his female partner. They make a very romantic couple and even in their old age, when they stop reproducing, the male will still show off to his partner and share some cuddles and kisses.
It’s easy to make your neighbourhood friendlier for Black Cockatoos
These striking birds make a spectacular addition to any park or garden so why not encourage them in by planting their favourite foods?
These buddies love to eat seeds and cones on trees and large bushes. Some of their favourites are the Casuarina (She-oak), Hakeas, Banksias, and Acacias.
Unfortunately the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo also eats the Radiata Pine cones and spread these seeds which can become weeds, so remember native is the way to go! These cockatoos don’t just eat the seeds on trees, they also love to feed on insects, giving you some free pest control.
Black Cockatoos love:
Casuarina seeds – which they crack open with their sharp beaks.
Showing off – especially the males who have some funky dance moves and stylish hairdos.
Their partners – who they will care for and stay with for their whole lives.
Tree hollows – which provide safe and secure nesting sites, beyond the reach of predators.
But they don’t like:
Cats and dogs – who can frighten or attack them.
Chainsaws – which cut down valuable food trees and trees with nesting hollows.
Be a buddy to the Black Cockatoo
Try to:
- listen out for the distinctive call that can travel for miles – you will hear them before you see them.
- plant some of their favourite trees like casuarinas, that have tasty seed pods for them to munch on.
- put a bird bath or build a frog pond in your garden to give Black Cockatoos a drink and so you can see them up close.
- put up a nest box to encourage hollow nesting birds – but remember that Black Cockatoos are very large birds so check to make sure you are building the right size.
Avoid:
- removing seed-producing trees as these provide food for many cockatoos.
- tidying large, dead branches from trees if there is no safety issue.
- feeding Black Cockatoos as they can become lazy and dependent.
