Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo

Calyptorhynchus banksii

Photo: Wayne Proudfoot

Photo: Wayne Scott

Bird Description:

With inky black plumage and a striking fan of deep red tail feathers (in males), the Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo is one of Australia’s most majestic parrots. Their loud, metallic call echoes across the bush before they appear—big, bold, and unforgettable.With its powerful beak and striking tail feathers (if you’re lucky enough to spot a male mid-flight), this iconic Australian cockatoo makes quite the impression. They’re often heard before they’re seen, with their eerie, metallic calls echoing through the treetops.

Special features:

Males have solid red tail panels, while females are adorned with yellow-orange spots and bars and mottled tails. They crack open tough seeds and nuts with ease using their powerful beaks and are most often seen feeding in eucalypt and casuarina forests.

Did you know?:

They’re slow, steady flyers but incredibly graceful, and often turn up in small, tight-knit family groups—like bush royalty with a bit of attitude. They’re also similar to the Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo, which we also get here, but the red tail flashes and the shorter, raspier call give them away. If you’re lucky, you might spot both in the region—an impressive double act of Australia’s black cockatoo royalty.

View more information on this bird at Birdlife Australia: https://birdlife.org.au/bird-profiles/red-tailed-black-cockatoo

Habitat: Aerial, Forest