Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo

The Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus funereus, is a large cockatoo native to the south-east of Australia.

Related Topics:
Cockatoo - Australia

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Although not particularly common, they are one of the most well-loved and characteristic birds of southern Australia. They are usually seen flying at only moderate height. They have particularly large wings and flap deeply, very slowly, and with a peculiar heavy, fluid motion. Their loud, eerie wailing calls carry for long distances, and the combination of sound and silhouette is unmistakable.

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Adult birds are between 55 and 65 cm in length, black overall with paler feather-margins and patches of pale yellow in the tail. The male bird (illustrated at right) has a black bill, a dull yellow patch behind the eye, and a reddish eye-ring. Females and immatures have a grey eye-ring, a light-coloured bill, and a brighter, more clearly-defined yellow cheek-patch.

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