
Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo (specifically showing red, indicating a Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Psittaciformes, Family: Cacatuidae, Genus: Calyptorhynchus, Species: Calyptorhynchus banksii
Family: Cacatuidae (Cockatoos)
- Shape
- Symmetrical to slightly asymmetrical vane, broad and rounded at the tip with a tapering base, typical of a large parrot tail feather.
- Size
- Approximately 8 to 10 inches long, consistent with a large tail feather from a Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo.
- Rarity
- Common in suitable Australian woodland habitats, though some subspecies are threatened or endangered.
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Description
A large, majestic black cockatoo with a prominent crest. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, where females display stunning yellow or red-orange barring and tail panels, while males feature solid bright red tail bands against an all-black body.
Colour & Pattern
Striking jet-black base coloration with a prominent, vibrant red horizontal panel or band across the mid-section, characteristic of the female or immature Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo.
Barb Structure
Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs forming a strong, smooth vane, with a small fluffy tuft of plumulaceous barbs at the very base near the calamus.
Texture & Surface
Smooth, firm, and matte to slightly glossy texture with a rigid vane capable of withstanding flight and perching wear.
Key Features
Large size, deep black background coloration sharply contrasted by a vivid red horizontal band across the tail feathers.
Habitat
Eucalypt woodlands, dry sclerophyll forests, and wooded grasslands across Australia.
Geographic Range
Endemic to Australia, widely distributed in the northern and western parts of the continent, with isolated populations in the south-east.
Ecological Role
Act as important seed predators and forest regulators, often creating hollows in mature eucalyptus trees that provide nesting sites for numerous other native Australian species.
Similar Species
Glossy Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) and Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus), which feature brownish-black plumage and yellow or orange-yellow tail panels instead of bright red.
Interesting Facts
These cockatoos are highly specialized seed-eaters, particularly dependent on the seeds of Eucalyptus, Allocasuarina, and Banksia trees. They are long-lived birds and form strong lifelong pair bonds.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition with clean, intact barbs, strong rachis, and no visible fading or structural damage.