
Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Psittaciformes, Family: Cacatuidae, Genus: Zanda, Species: Z. funerea
Family: Cacatuidae (Cockatoos)
- Shape
- Symmetrical vane with a rounded to slightly truncated tip, elongated outline, and even margins
- Size
- Approximately 8-10 inches long, consistent with a medium-to-large rectrix from a large cockatoo species
- Rarity
- Common within its localized range, though some subspecies or populations face increasing threats
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Description
A large, striking black cockatoo with prominent yellow cheek patches and a brilliant yellow panel on the tail feathers. Known for their loud, wailing calls and strong, lumbering flight style as they move through the forest canopy in family groups or flocks.
Colour & Pattern
Predominantly dark charcoal grey-black across most of the vane, featuring a striking, vibrant bright yellow panel or band neatly restricted to the terminal tip
Barb Structure
Pennaceous vane in the upper portion transitioning to a plumulaceous, slightly frayed base with an indistinct afterfeather
Texture & Surface
Smooth and matte appearance on the pennaceous vane, becoming softer and fluffier towards the proximal base
Key Features
Dark greyish-black body with a distinct, sharply defined bright yellow tip on a robust tail feather
Habitat
Eucalypt woodlands, pine plantations, and temperate rainforests of southeastern Australia
Geographic Range
Southeastern Australia, including eastern New South Wales, Victoria, and parts of South Australia and Tasmania
Ecological Role
Acts as an important seed predator and forest health indicator by controlling wood-boring insect populations
Similar Species
Red-tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii), which features bright red or orange tail panels instead of yellow
Interesting Facts
These cockatoos use their massive, powerful bills to rip into dead wood in search of wood-boring beetle larvae, leaving distinct signature scars on trees
Condition Notes
Good overall condition with minor wear and fraying at the extreme basal plumulaceous barbs