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Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo
Tail feather (retrix)

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
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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