Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (White Cockatoo)

A magnificent large white parrot reaching 50cm in length. Known for its expressive yellow crest, dark bill, and raucous screeching. This feather is a vital component of its powerful, flapping flight and gliding sequences.

Pure white across both vanes. The underside (ventral) may show a subtle yellowish hue, characteristic of the species' wing lining. The rachis is a pale, translucent cream-yellow.

Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs providing a rigid, aerodynamic surface; notable lack of downy plumulaceous structure at the base.

Smooth, slightly stiff, and remarkably clean. The surface has a fine, powdery texture known as 'powder down' which provides water resistance and a matte finish.

Pure white color, large size, extreme asymmetry of the vanes, and a thick yellowish-white quill/rachis.

Woodlands, rainforest margins, scrublands, and increasingly common in urban parks and gardens where tall trees are available.

Native to Australia (north and east), New Guinea, and Indonesia; widely introduced to parts of New Zealand and various islands.

Functions as a seed disperser and occasional pest of grain crops. They are highly social and act as 'sentinels' for other wildlife with their loud alarm calls.

Yellow-crested Cockatoo (smaller), Salmon-crested Cockatoo (peachy-pink base), and Galah (pink and grey).

The 'powder down' on this feather is produced by specialized feathers that crumble into a fine dust, used by the bird to groom and waterproof its plumage.

Excellent condition. The vane is intact without apparent fraying or 'fault bars'. Likely a freshly molted feather.