Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo (also known as the Funereal Cockatoo)

This feather is a classic example of a tail feather from the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, a large, magnificent bird reaching 55-65 cm in length. The bird is entirely black except for yellow cheek patches and the yellow panels on the tail feathers which are revealed in flight.

Predominantly brownish-black with a large, distinct cream-to-pale-yellow panel on the inner vane near the tip. The melanin provides a deep charcoal hue.

Highly pennaceous and tightly interlocked with strong barbicels, creating a rigid vane; minor plumulaceous softening at the very base.

Matte to slightly glossy surface, feeling stiff and durable; the leading edge is very narrow and firm for flight stability.

Large size, dark charcoal/brown-black base color, and the diagnostic pale yellow/cream panel on the inner vane.

Native to forest and woodland areas, especially sclerophyll forests and pine plantations across southeastern Australia.

South-eastern Australia, from central eastern Queensland to southeastern South Australia, including Tasmania.

Important seed dispersers and forest health indicators; they play a role in controlling wood-boring beetle larvae which they dig out of timber.

Glossy Black Cockatoo (smaller, red tail panels) and Carnaby's Black Cockatoo (whiter tail panels, different range).

These birds are known for their slow, deeply undulating flight and their characteristic 'whee-la' haunting calls. They use their massive bills to extract seeds from banksias and pine cones.

Good condition, though some slight fraying at the edges suggests it was a naturally molted feather that has spent some time on the ground.