RED-TAILED BLACK COCKATOO
Calyptorhynchus banksii
DESCRIPTION
The Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo is a large Australian cockatoo with mostly black plumage, a powerful curved bill and a distinctive crest. Adult males have striking bright red panels in their tails, while females and younger birds have paler yellow-orange markings and spots.
WHERE IT LIVES
Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos occur across large parts of northern Australia and in several other regions of the country. In the Top End they can be found in eucalypt woodlands, open forests, savanna and areas where suitable food trees grow. They are often seen travelling and feeding in groups.
WHAT IT EATS
They mainly eat seeds from native trees and plants, using their strong bills to break open tough seed pods and fruits. Their diet can include seeds from eucalypts, acacias and other native plants, as well as some insects and their larvae.
QUICK FACTS
• Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos are native to Australia.
• Males are easily recognised by the brilliant red panels in their tails.
• Females usually have yellow-orange tail markings and yellow spotting on their bodies.
• Their powerful bills can crack open hard seeds and woody fruits.
• They nest in large hollows in old trees.
• They have a distinctive, far-carrying call that can often be heard before the birds are seen.
• They can live for many decades.
PETE'S PHOTO STORY
Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos are magnificent birds to photograph, especially when they gather together. In this photograph, three birds were perched together when one spread its tail, revealing that brilliant flash of red against the black feathers. That splash of colour completely changed the photograph. Moments like this are why I enjoy wildlife photography, you can wait and watch, but you never quite know what the animals will give you.