
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 slightly rounded to pointed tip, broad and elongated outline
- Size
- Approximately 6 to 8 inches long, consistent with a medium-sized tail feather from this species
- Rarity
- Common within its localized forested range, though some subspecies are increasingly vulnerable
Found a feather like this?
Identify any feather from a photo, free.
Description
A large, striking black cockatoo with a prominent crest, brownish-black body plumage, and signature yellow panels in the tail and ear patches. Known for its mournful, wailing calls and powerful, heavy flight.
Colour & Pattern
Striking coloration featuring a vibrant golden-yellow midsection and panel, sharply demarcated by a solid black tip and dark margins, with a bright yellow rachis
Barb Structure
Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs on the upper blade transitioning to slightly looser barbs near the base, intact condition
Texture & Surface
Smooth, firm, and semi-glossy surface texture with strong vane rigidity and a matte finish on the black tips
Key Features
Brilliant golden-yellow central panel contrasting sharply with a solid black terminal band and a bright yellow central shaft
Habitat
Eucalypt forests, woodlands, pine plantations, and coastal scrublands of southeastern Australia
Geographic Range
Endemic to southeastern Australia, ranging from southern Queensland through New South Wales and Victoria to Tasmania and South Australia
Ecological Role
Vital seed predators and dispersers, as well as controllers of wood-boring insect populations in Australian eucalypt ecosystems
Similar Species
Glossy Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) and Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii), distinguished by different tail panel colors and body patterns
Interesting Facts
These cockatoos use their massive, powerful bills to tear open deep wood-boring beetle larvae from inside eucalyptus branches, acting as natural forest doctors
Condition Notes
Excellent condition with fresh coloration, intact barbs, and no visible wear, fraying, or parasitic damage