Australia is home to 12 species of Cockatoo, out of a total of 20 species worldwide (not including Cockatiels). There are 7 species of Black Cockatoo and 5 species of 'white' Cockatoo. (Galahs are usually classed as 'white cockies'.) It comes as a surprise to many that the Black Cockatoo species outnumber the White Cockatoo species in Australia, as cockies are always thought of as white birds.

Australian Cockatoo Species

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Galah Little Corella Long-billed Corella Pink Cockatoo (Major Mitchell) Palm Cockatoo

Red-tailed Black Cockatoo Gang-gang Cockatoo Glossy Black Cockatoo Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo White-tailed Black Cockatoo Long-billed Black Cockatoo

Australian cockatoos occur in a variety of habitats, ranging from tropical rainforest in far north Queensland, to the dry, arid deserts of the 'Red Centre' and the cold snow fields of the Australian Alps and Snowy Mountains. They tend to avoid coastal heathlands and wetlands, although they can show up at any time, anywhere. The main habitat Australian cockatoos favour is open woodland and forests.

Cockatoos are distinguished from other parrots by their head crests, which are raised immediately after landing on a tree branch, and when excited or threatened. This unique cockie feature adds to their charm, just as a dog's wagging tail adds to their's. You know what the cockie is thinking from what it's doing with it's crest. Cockatiels are the only other bird with crests like these, and because of this are viewed by most ornithologists as a link between cockatoos and parakeets, having characteristics of both groups.*

They have very strong, large beaks, evolved to split open a variety of nuts, fruits and seed-pods, and for digging out insect larvae from tree trunks. They also use their beaks as a tool for enlarging nest holes.

Cockatoos mate for life, although one partner will readily find another after being 'widowed'. They feed mainly on seeds and grain, and for this reason many species have done well since European settlement of the Australian continent. Those species that are not experiencing a population boom do so because of their refusal to change either their diet or their breeding habits. Unfortunately, in the distant future, one or two species could be destined for extinction in the wild if current trends persist. These are outlined in other areas of this site.

* Because they are not "true" cockatoos, I have chosen not to include cockatiels in this site. They also deserve an entire site to themselves, which I feel am not qualified to do so.