Cacatuidae bird family

Order Psittaciformes · 6 selected species

Browse verified BirdLens profiles selected for complete taxonomy, substantial descriptive coverage, and visual evidence. Open a species to compare its identification notes, distribution, behavior, sounds, and maps.

Carnaby's Black-CockatooZanda latirostrisBlack cockatoo with white ear patch and white tail panel, found in the southwestern corner of Western Australia, where it inhabits a wide variety of habitats, including woodlands, pine plantations, farmland, and urban parks. The very similar Baudin’s Black-Cockatoo has much longer upper mandible. Calls include mournful, wailing cries, as well as loud, rough screeches.

Palm CockatooProbosciger aterrimusDistinctive dark cockatoo with truly massive bill. Inhabits rainforests and woodlands of New Guinea and northern Cape York Peninsula. Large patch of bare red skin on the cheeks and a long black crest distinctive. Use sticks to "drum" on trees during territorial displays. In flight, note all-black tail (Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo has bright red tail panels). Voice a sharp whistle or squeak, lacking the mournful, drawn-out wailing quality of Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo.

Red-tailed Black-CockatooCalyptorhynchus banksiiLarge black cockatoo with tall rounded crest. Mostly black plumage with red or orange panels on the tail. Female has yellow spots and barring on the chest. Plumage and bill size vary according to subspecies. Often feeds on the ground. Typically occurs in groups or large flocks. Note loud calls from large noisy flocks.

Western CorellaCacatua pastinatorSmall cockatoo with long pointed bill and a solid, short crest, typically found in farmland. This species is restricted to southwestern Australia, though not usually in the Perth area. Entirely white with pink patch in front of the eye, which has pale blue skin around it. Compare Little Corella (with much shorter bill and crest) and Long-billed Corella (introduced to Perth area from eastern Australia, with red patch on chest and much shorter crest). Call a worried-sounding, wavering cry, slightly lower in pitch than Little Corella’s and less clipped than Long-billed Corella’s.

Western CorellaCacatua pastinatorSmall cockatoo with long pointed bill and a solid, short crest, typically found in farmland. This species is restricted to southwestern Australia, though not usually in the Perth area. Entirely white with pink patch in front of the eye, which has pale blue skin around it. Compare Little Corella (with much shorter bill and crest) and Long-billed Corella (introduced to Perth area from eastern Australia, with red patch on chest and much shorter crest). Call a worried-sounding, wavering cry, slightly lower in pitch than Little Corella’s and less clipped than Long-billed Corella’s.

White CockatooCacatua albaA medium-sized white cockatoo with yellow under the wings. The large crest, erected when birds are excited or alarmed, is entirely white. Usually found in pairs. Calls are loud screeches. Also known as Umbrella Cockatoo. Inhabits primary and secondary rainforest in the northern Moluccas; introduced to Taiwan and the Hawaiian island of Oahu.