Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo
Scientific Name: Zanda funereus
Size: 55 to 65 cm
What does it look and sound like?
This cockatoo is easily identified by its predominantly black plumage, the feathers of the body edged with yellow, and its yellow cheek patch and yellow panels on the underside of the tail. The contact call of the Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo is a drawn-out ‘kee-ow’.
Where is it found?
It occurs in south-eastern Australia, from central Queensland to central southern South Australia.
What are its habitats & habits?
The Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo is often seen in small to large flocks, flying on slowly flapping wings, or feeding within eucalypt woodlands and pine plantations.
Interesting facts
The Carnaby’s, or Short-billed, Black-Cockatoo, found in south-western Western Australia and having white tail panels instead of yellow, was formerly considered a subspecies of the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo rather than a distinct species).
This species features in my book Australia’s Birdwatching Megaspots
