Bird · GBIF taxon 7340185
Lophochroa leadbeateri
Lophochroa leadbeateriAlso 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
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 →
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
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCacatuidae
- SpeciesLophochroa leadbeateri
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- 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.
Competitor no rights reserved, uploaded by John Cull · cc0
Close Relative (c) Andrew Allen, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Andrew Allen · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Hyme852052, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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