Range

Palm cockatoos can be found throughout Australia and New Guinea along with a range islands around this region.

In Australia the palm cockatoo is found only in Queensland in the upper portion of the Cape York Peninsula.

Habitat

The palm cockatoo will make its home in rainforests, dense savanna and woodlands.

Their nest is made within a tree hollow. Most nests are located in woodlands.

Reproduction

Breeding takes place from August to January though there is some slight local variations in this.

Pairs appear to be monogamous and will typically mate for life.

Males will engage in fights over a nesting site. The nest is formed in a tree hollow. Inside the hollow they form a platform of twigs.

A single egg is laid in the nest. This egg is incubated for 30-33 days. At hatching the chick will have no feathers and rely entirely on the parents for its care.

Females do most of the incubation with some assistance from the male. The male is primarily responsible for finding food.

It will take 100 days for them to fledge. This is the longest parental care provided by any parrot.

Young will typically remain close to their parents until the next breeding season.

Survival rates are incredibly low, only 60% of eggs will hatch and 40% of these will make it to adulthood.

Sexual maturity is reached between 7 and 8 years of age.

Behaviour

When the palm cockatoo is excited or alarmed they raise the crest of feathers on their head.

The bare, red patch of skin on their cheek will deepen in color when they are excited and this makes it look like they’re blushing.

Their call is a whistle or squeak.One way that they defend their territory is to hold on to a stick and use this to bang against a hollow tree.

They often form large groups to feed and one bird will keep watch while feeding for predators.

Predators and Threats

Adults face predation from birds of prey and the eggs can be stolen by arboreal snakes and possums.

Humans affect their population through habitat clearing and hunting both for food and the pet trade. They have become a popular pet due to their large size and spectacular appearance.

Quick facts

Their scientific name “aterrimus” comes from a Latin word meaning very black.

They are also known as the great black cockatoo, Cape York cockatoo or goliath cockatoo.