Long-billed Corella

The Long-billed Corella is native to grassland and farmland of southeastern Australia, distinguished from other white corellas by its notably elongated upper bill, used for digging up roots and bulbs. Its plumage carries more visible pink-red coloring than the similar Little Corella, particularly across the face and breast.

Feathers on the face, throat, and upper breast show a more extensive and visible dusky pink-red wash compared to the Little Corella, where similar coloring is largely hidden at the feather base. The crest is short and rounded, lying flat except during display. Body plumage is otherwise white with grayish undersides to the flight feathers. The elongated, strongly curved upper bill, though not a feather feature, is a key associated field mark supporting identification when feathers are found near a foraging site. Compared to the Little Corella, feathers with more visible pink-red coloring on the face and breast, rather than only at the hidden feather base, point to this species.

Sexes look similar in plumage. Juveniles show a less developed pink-red wash and a shorter bill than adults, developing full coloration and bill length with maturity. Molt is gradual through the year.

This species occupies grassland, farmland, and open woodland primarily in southeastern Australia, often foraging in paddocks and cultivated land. It is generally sedentary to locally nomadic, with flocks moving in response to food availability rather than fixed migration.

Long-billed Corellas use their elongated bill to dig for roots, bulbs, and below-ground plant material, in addition to feeding on seeds and grain at the surface. They nest in tree hollows, sometimes in loose colonies. Their calls are harsh, screeching notes similar to related corellas. Flocks can gather in large numbers in agricultural areas, sometimes causing conflict with farming operations due to their digging and feeding habits.