Scientific Name: Calyptorhynchus funereus
Yellow tailed Black Cockatoo – Characteristics
Similar Species:
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Short-billed Black-Cockatoo
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Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo
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Glossy Black-Cockatoo
Overview
The Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo is one of five black-cockatoo species in Australia. This species is in rapid decline due to native habitat clearance and the loss of food supply and nest sites.
Appearance
The Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo is large and has primarily black plumage. Its feathers are edged with yellow. Key features include:
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Larger cheek patch in females
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Pale grey eye-ring
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White upper bill
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Black marks in the yellow tail panels
Young birds look like adult females, but young males have a smaller cheek patch.
Habitat
The Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo lives in various habitats, but it prefers:
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Eucalypt woodland
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Pine plantations
They are often seen in small to large flocks, either perched or flying with slowly flapping wings. Their range extends from Eyre Peninsula in South Australia to south and central eastern Queensland. They may screech when alarmed.
Diet
Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos primarily eat:
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Wood-boring larvae
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Seeds from native trees
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Seeds from introduced trees
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Ground plants
Communication
These cockatoos have a unique call described as a drawn-out “kee-ow.”
Yellow tailed Black Cockatoo – Characteristics
Breeding Behaviors
Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos have a long breeding season that varies by location. Important breeding habits include:
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Both sexes construct the nest, which is a large tree hollow lined with wood chips.
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Only one chick survives after about six months of care.
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Clutch size is typically 2 eggs.
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Time spent in the nest is around 168 days.
By understanding the Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo, we can help protect this beautiful species.
References
- Crome, F. and Shields, J. 1992. Parrots and Pigeons of Australia. Angus and Robertson/National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife, Sydney.
- Pizzey, G. and Knight, F. 1997. Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. Angus and Robertson, Sydney.
- Schodde, R. and Tideman, S.C. (eds) 1990. Reader’s Digest Complete Book of Australian Birds (2nd Edition). Reader’s Digest (Australia) Pty Ltd, Sydney.
- Forshaw, Joseph M. & Cooper, William T. 2002. Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus funereus (Shaw). pp 57-70 in: Australian Parrots / Joseph M. Forshaw ; illustrated by William T. Cooper Alexander Editions, Robina, Queensland.
MD Imdadul Haque is the founder of BirdzFly, a research-backed resource on North American backyard birds. Drawing on years of independent study into bird identification, behavior, and migration patterns, he writes in-depth guides designed to help US birders understand the species in their own backyards — from common feeder visitors to seasonal migrants passing through.
