In flight, pink underwings evident.
VIC: Vulnerable; SA: Endangered; WA: Rare
Sensitive species — location data may be restricted
Indigenous: Major Mitchell's Cockatoo
At a glance
FamilyCockatoos
SizeLarge
RarityCommon
HabitatDistinctive cockatoo found in a wide variety of habitats across inland Australia, typically favoring dry woodlands, where it feeds on seeds.
Best timeMost reliable in Queensland from June to October.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Powys, V.
Range map
Range map
1717visible hotspots
12071visible records
6states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Distinctive cockatoo found in a wide variety of habitats across inland Australia, typically favoring dry woodlands, where it feeds on seeds. Relatively small, with pink underparts and white upperparts. Magnificent, long white crest has colorful band of red at base, in subspecies leadbeateri inset with another band of yellow.
Behavior
Often observed feeding on the ground beside roads. Call a wavering, high-pitched note.
Gallery
Regional timing
Northern Territory
New South Wales
Queensland
Western Australia
Victoria
South Australia
Australian Capital Territory
Tasmania
Commonly confused with
Glossy Black-CockatooCalyptorhynchus lathamiMale fairly plain except for bright red tail panels. Female has blotchy yellow patches on neck and face and orange-red tail panels. The species is entirely dependent on these trees, and recently chewed seed-cones are good indicators of their presence. Calls include drawn-out notes with a rougher, croakier tone than Red-tailed and Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos.→CockatielNymphicus hollandicusIn flight has dark wing tips and bold white wing panels contrasting with a gray back.→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).→