Baudin’s black cockatoo  (Calyptorhynchus baudinii)

Description

Baudin’s black cockatoo is one of the 53 native parrot species seen in the Australian skies, their wailing cries penetrating their surroundings as they fly (5) (6). Also known as the long-billed black cockatoo, this bird is very similar in appearance to Carnaby’s or the short-billed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris). Both have dusky-black feathers with off-white edges, creating a pattern of thin, scale-like crescents, as well as long black tails with a broad white band, and a white cheek patch (6). The only noticeable external difference between the two species is the longer and more pointed upper mandible of Baudin’s black cockatoo, as implied by their respective common names (2) (6) (7). The fine point of Baudin’s black cockatoo’s bill enables it to prise out the seeds of the very hard wooden fruits of the marri (Corymbia calophylla), a preferred food of the species (7) (8).

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