Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo (specifically showing red, indicating a Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo)

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.

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.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs forming a strong, smooth vane, with a small fluffy tuft of plumulaceous barbs at the very base near the calamus.

Strong, prominent central rachis matching the coloration of the feather sections, transitioning from red at the base to black along the shaft, with dense, uniform barbs.

Smooth, firm, and matte to slightly glossy texture with a rigid vane capable of withstanding flight and perching wear.

Tail (rectrix). Determined by the elongated, stiff structure and distinctive broad panel coloration unique to the tail feathers of this species.

Large size, deep black background coloration sharply contrasted by a vivid red horizontal band across the tail feathers.

Eucalypt woodlands, dry sclerophyll forests, and wooded grasslands across Australia.

Endemic to Australia, widely distributed in the northern and western parts of the continent, with isolated populations in the south-east.

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.

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.

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.

Highly significant in Indigenous Australian culture and Dreaming stories. Feathers are sometimes used in traditional ceremonies and art.

Look for large flocks in eucalyptus canopies, listen for their loud, distinctive wailing calls, and observe the bright flash of red or yellow in the tail during flight.

Excellent condition with clean, intact barbs, strong rachis, and no visible fading or structural damage.