Bird

Carnaby's Black Cockatoo

Zanda latirostris

Also known as Short-Billed Black Cockatoo, Short-Billed White-Tailed Black Cockatoo

Carnaby's black cockatoos sweep across southwest Australia in noisy flocks, driven by seasonal migrations between interior breeding woodlands and coastal feeding grounds. Paired adults mate for life, returning each spring to deep hollows in ancient eucalypt trees to raise a single chick. Their mournful wy-lah flight calls resonate over heathlands as they forage for nutrient-rich seeds in native banksias and pine plantations.

EndemicVocal

1 / 7

—observations

—countries

—peak records

EndangeredConservation status

Key facts

Diet & preyBanksia seeds, Hakea seeds, Pine cone seeds

Predators

Wedge-Tailed Eagle
Goanna
Feral Cat

ThreatsClearing of breeding hollows, loss of feeding habitat, and poaching

HabitatsEucalypt woodlands, kwongan heathlands, and pine plantations

Life span40–50 years in the wild

Classification

FamilyCacatuidae
SpeciesZanda latirostris

Range & activity

Range data is not available yet.

Safe observation

Interaction riskLow

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is low: Capable of delivering a strong bite with its powerful beak if cornered; observe from a respectful distance.
What to notice: Identified by black scalloped feathers, bold white cheek patches, and broad white tail bands.
Support conservation: Keep a respectful distance from nesting hollows and avoid disturbing feeding flocks in native vegetation.

Responsible observation

Listen for Calls: Distinctive wailing wy-lah calls broadcast their arrival long before flocks come into view.
Observe Feeding Flocks: Look for flocks in banksia woodlands or pine plantations stripping seed cones along branches.
Maintain Nest Distance: Avoid approaching active hollow trees during the spring breeding season to prevent desertion.

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