Fauna
Bird · GBIF taxon 7340185

Pink Cockatoo

Lophochroa leadbeateri

Also known as Major Mitchell's Cockatoo, Leadbeater's Cockatoo, Desert Cockatoo, Choc-a-Lott

Pink cockatoos patrol Australia's arid interior in pairs or small flocks, flashing vivid crimson-and-yellow crests when alighting or communicating. They depend on spacious hollows in ancient eucalypts for nesting, staying strictly near permanent waterholes during dry seasons. Quiet and elusive compared to other cockatoo species, they face local declines where old-growth woodland clearing eliminates nest trees.

ParrotDesert WildlifeIconic Crest
Pink Cockatoo reference
Licensed referenceJJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Acacia seeds
  • Native pine seeds
  • Inland melon seeds
Predators
  • Wedge-tailed Eagle
  • Peregrine Falcon
  • Goanna
ThreatsHabitat clearing, loss of old-growth nest hollows, climate change, illegal wild collection
HabitatsArid and semiarid woodlands, mallee shrublands, tree-lined inland watercourses
Life span40–60 years in the wild
Classification
  1. FamilyCacatuidae
  2. SpeciesLophochroa leadbeateri
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Capable of delivering a painful bite with its strong beak if cornered; keep a respectful distance.
What to notice
Look for soft salmon-pink feathers paired with a brilliant yellow, red, and white crest.
Support conservation
Maintain a quiet distance around nest trees and avoid using playback calls.
Responsible observation
  • Spotting Crests: Watch for brief, colorful crest displays when birds land or greet roost mates.
  • Listening for Calls: Listen for a soft, three-note creaky whistle echoing through mallee scrub.
  • Respecting Nests: Keep a generous distance from active nesting hollows during spring breeding.
Related species
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