Glossie Black Cockatoos

Calyptorhynchus lathami ..................................................... By Gideon Scheepers

Description

Glossys have a dull brown-black plumage. The head, breast and abdomen are a dull sooty brown colour. The back and wings are black. They have a red band on the tail feathers. The bill is grey, the iris is brown and they have a black periophthalmic ring. The feet and legs are grey. The hen has yellow feathers on the head and under wing-coverts. The tail band has a yellow wash, with black barring. They grow to a length of 48 cm.

Range and Habitat

They are to be found in eastern Australia and Kangaroo Island. They prefer the dense forested areas, particularly along watercourses. They are usually seen in pairs or small groups of up to 5 birds, normally near Kangaroo trees (casuarina).

Diet in Nature

They feed mainly on the seeds of the casuarina trees. Occasionally they will eat eucalyptus seeds. Insects and larvae will also be eaten.

Breeding in Nature

They breed mostly in winter. The pair goes off and finds a suitable nesting site in a tall casuarina tree. Here the hen lays her clutch of 1 to 2 eggs. She incubates them for 28 days. The young leave the nest at the age of 95 days.

 

Housing in Aviculture

They are noisy birds and require a large aviary. Supply them with a sturdy nestbox or tree stump measuring 60 cm x 60 cm x 120 cm.

Diet in Aviculture

So far they refuse all other food offered, will only eat casuarina and eucalyptus seeds, insects and grubs.

Breeding in Aviculture

They don't breed regularly in Aviculture. The hen lays a clutch of 1 to 2 eggs. These are incubated for 28 days. The young fledge at the age of 95 days.

Mutations

There are no known mutations at present