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Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo (specifically showing red, indicating a Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo)
Tail feather (rectrix), specifically from the central or lateral rectrices displaying the characteristic bright red panel of the species.

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.
Learn more about Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo (specifically showing red, indicating a Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo) in the encyclopedia →

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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.

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