Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo (Funereal Cockatoo)

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.

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

Pennaceous vane in the upper portion transitioning to a plumulaceous (fluffy) downy base near the calamus, intact with strong barbs and barbicels

Sturdy, pale whitish-yellow central rachis that is moderately thick and slightly curved; barbs are densely packed and angled uniformly along the shaft

Smooth and firm along the dark pennaceous section, becoming soft and downy at the base; matte finish with minimal gloss

Body contour feather, likely from the breast, flank, or wing covert region, indicated by the distinct coloration break and fluffy base

Contrasting dark brownish-black background with a bold, distinct yellow-orange patch and a pale rachis, diagnostic of large Australian black cockatoos

Eucalypt woodlands, timbered areas, pine plantations, and coastal scrublands in southeastern Australia

Endemic to southeastern Australia, ranging from southern Queensland through New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania, as well as the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia

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

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

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.

Highly significant to Australian Indigenous cultures, featuring in traditional stories, art, and ceremonies. Feathers and body parts are sometimes used in cultural artifacts under traditional rights.

Look for large feathers dropped beneath eucalypt feeding trees where flocks have been actively foraging on cones or wood-boring insects

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