Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

Description:

The Sulphur-crested Cockatoo is a large white parrot found in wooded habitats in Australia and New Guinea. It has a dark grey-black bill, a distinctive sulphur-yellow crest and a yellow wash on the underside of the wings. Sexes are similar, although the female can be separated at close range by its red-brown eye (darker brown in the male). This is a noisy and conspicuous cockatoo, both at rest and in flight. Juvenile birds resemble the adults. In some parts of Australia, these birds can be very numerous and may cause damage to cereal and fruit crops, newly planted tree seedlings, and soft timber on houses, decking, and outdoor furniture.

Habitat:

A leafy northern Sydney suburb.

Notes:

This fellow is one of a flock of about 30 birds. They have been in the area for several weeks, terrorising the neighbourhood with their noise and tree-raiding tendencies. This one has just raided a kumquat tree, and is eating his spoils from the safety of the power cables.