Calyptorhynchus funereus .................................................... By Gideon Scheepers

Description

These stunning birds have a generally brownish-black plumage. All the feathers are edged with yellow. They have yellow ear-coverts. The central tail feathers are brownish-black, and the adjacent feathers are brownish-black with a broad yellow ban, barred with black. The iris is dark brown and the periophthalmic ring is flesh coloured. The feet are greyish-brown and the bill is dark grey. The female is similar to the male, but the ear-coverts are a brighter yellow. The yellow band on the tail feathers is more heavily spotted. Her bill is horn-coloured and the periophthalmic ring is dark grey. The young look like the female, but males have duller ear-coverts, whitish-yellow pannels on the tail and greyish tinge to the bill. They grow to 58cm - 65 cm.

Range and Habitat

There are 2 sub-species of this stunning bird, namely Calyptorhynchus f. funereus (Yellow-tailed Cockatoo) and the Calyptorhynchus f. xanthanotus (Tasmanian Yellow-tailed Cockatoo). They are found in eastern Australia from central Queensland, Tasmania, and the larger islands of the Bass Strait, Kangaroo Island, and Southeast to southern Victoria and in Southwest Australia. They inhabit virtually all areas with tree cover, also coastal forests, cultivated areas, plantations and savannahs. They are seen in family groups and small flocks outside breeding season.

 

 

Housing in Aviculture

They must be given a large aviary of around 8 x 3 x 2 m, made of metal. They can be supplied with a barrel , metal drum or tree stump to breed in.

Breeding in Aviculture

They seldom breed in Aviculture, and are also rare outside of Australia. They need large aviaries and a large barrel, tree stump or metal drum for breeding. Hens will usually lay 1 to 2 eggs and incubate them for 29 days. They should be provided with plenty of animal protein and greenfood during the rearing period. The young fledge after 90 days. But remain with the parents for another 60 days.

 

Mutations

The only mutations I am aware of is the Pied and the Yellow, in the Yellow tailed sub spesies. If you know of more please let me know.