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. Young Sulphur-crested Cockatoos 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:

Sulphur-crested Cockatoos are found in a variety of timbered habitats and are common around human settlements. The birds stay in the same area all year round. They are numerous around the Brisbane area where I live.

Notes:

This single cocky had just fed on the nuts of a conifer tree in my front yard. It's a favourite for these birds, and even though I love it when they visit, in large groups they are noisy and make one hell of a mess. Needless to say, my garden rake is always at hand. This photo was taken by my friend Nathan Faldt.