Palm Cockatoo

Probosciger aterrimus

Conservation Status

Vulnerable

Aves · Psittaciformes · Cacatuidae

About

The palm cockatoo, also known as the goliath cockatoo or great black cockatoo, is a large, smoky-grey/black parrot of the cockatoo family native to New Guinea, the Aru Islands and the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, Australia. It has a crest of long feathers atop its head, with a very large and strong, sharply-hooked black beak, and prominent bright-red cheek patches.

Fun Fact

Palm cockatoos are the only birds known to use tools for music — males snap off a stick, grip it in their foot, and drum rhythmically on a hollow branch to attract females.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Tropical rainforests and woodlands

Diet

Herbivore

Lifespan

40-60 years

Threats

Wildfire
Habitat Fragmentation

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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