Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo

The Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus funereus, is a large cockatoo native to the south-east of Australia.

Although not particularly common, they are one of the most well-loved and characteristic birds of southern Australia. They are usually seen flying at only moderate height. They have particularly large wings and flap deeply, very slowly, and with a peculiar heavy, fluid motion. Their loud, eerie wailing calls carry for long distances, and the combination of sound and silhouette is unmistakable.

Adult birds are between 55 and 65 cm in length, black overall with paler feather-margins and patches of pale yellow in the tail. The male bird (illustrated at right) has a black bill, a dull yellow patch behind the eye, and a reddish eye-ring. Females and immatures have a grey eye-ring, a light-coloured bill, and a brighter, more clearly-defined yellow cheek-patch.