Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo (Funereal Cockatoo)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Psittaciformes, Family: Cacatuidae, Genus: Calyptorhynchus, Species: C. funereus
Family: Cacatuidae (Cockatoos)
- Shape
- Symmetrical vane, rounded tip, with a relatively broad and slightly curved outline
- Size
- Approximately 4 to 6 inches long, consistent with a large covert or body feather from a large cockatoo species
- Rarity
- Common within its native Australian range, though some subspecies or local populations are vulnerable due to habitat loss
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Description
The Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo is a large, majestic cockatoo characterized by its brownish-black plumage, distinct yellow cheek patches, and bright yellow panels in the tail. They are known for their mournful, wailing calls and their methodical feeding habits as they tear into tree branches in search of wood-boring beetle larvae and seeds.
Colour & Pattern
Striking coloration featuring dark brownish-black or charcoal grey upper portions with a vibrant, warm yellow-orange patch occupying the lower vane, characteristic of the species' tail or covert markings
Barb Structure
Pennaceous vane in the upper portion transitioning to a plumulaceous (fluffy) downy base near the calamus, intact with strong barbs and barbicels
Texture & Surface
Smooth and firm along the dark pennaceous section, becoming soft and downy at the base; matte finish with minimal gloss
Key Features
Contrasting dark brownish-black background with a bold, distinct yellow-orange patch and a pale rachis, diagnostic of large Australian black cockatoos
Habitat
Eucalypt woodlands, timbered areas, pine plantations, and coastal scrublands in southeastern Australia
Geographic Range
Endemic to southeastern Australia, ranging from southern Queensland through New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania, as well as the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia
Ecological Role
Acts as an important seed predator and biological controller of wood-boring insect populations in eucalyptus forests, while also creating hollows in mature trees used by other native wildlife
Similar Species
Other black cockatoo species such as the Red-tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii) and the Glossy Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami), which feature red or different yellow panel placements in their plumage
Interesting Facts
These intelligent birds possess powerful beaks capable of tearing open heavy branches to extract large wood-boring grubs. They are also known to use their feet like hands to manipulate food items.
Condition Notes
Good condition with minor wear at the very tip; barbs are fully intact and the downy base is well-preserved with no obvious signs of parasitic damage