Baudin's Black Cockatoo

The Baudin's black cockatoo, also known as Baudin's cockatoo or the long-billed black cockatoo, is a striking bird endemic to southwest Australia. Its plumage is predominantly a sombre greyish black, adorned with a short crest atop its head. The bird's feathers are edged with white, creating a scalloped effect. A distinctive feature is the white cheek patches and a white band on the tail.

Identification Tips

Adult males can be identified by their dark grey beak and pink eye-rings, while adult females sport a bone-coloured beak, grey eye-rings, and ear patches that are paler than those of the males. Juveniles resemble females but have less white in their tail feathers.

Habitat

Baudin's black cockatoo favours moist, heavily forested areas, particularly those dominated by marri (Corymbia calophylla), which provide both food and nesting sites.

Distribution

This species is confined to the south-western region of Australia and is one of two white-tailed black cockatoo species endemic to this area.

Behaviour

The Baudin's black cockatoo is known for its strong association with its preferred habitat and has a social structure that includes communal roosting.

Similar Species

The Carnaby's black cockatoo (Zanda latirostris) is similar in appearance but can be distinguished by its shorter and broader beak. The two species were once considered conspecific.

Conservation status

As of 2021, the Baudin's black cockatoo is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, with an estimated population of ten to fifteen thousand individuals remaining. The decline is primarily due to habitat destruction.