Many of us are familiar with the white and light pink cockatoo.
Their beautiful feathers and occasionally colorful crests and tails are signature traits of the most common domestic varieties of cockatoo.
But did you know that there are also black cockatoos?
In fact, there are five types of black cockatoo, all with iconic black and grey plumage that makes them stand out from the crowd.
Let’s learn more about black cockatoos and their origins.
Where are black cockatoos found?
Black cockatoos are native to various regions of Australia. There are five separate types, with the most common being the red-tailed black cockatoo. Because they are rarely found outside of Australia, they are rare to find as pets. Black cockatoos are relatively rare, and all types are considered threatened species.
The five types of black cockatoo are the Baudin’s, the Carnaby’s, the red-tail, the yellow-tail and the glossy black.
Red-tails, Carnaby’s, and Baudin’s cockatoos are found in southwest Australia specifically.
All types belong to the same genus, Calyptorhynchus.
Black cockatoos are not commonly seen as pets.
In fact, because of their specific habitat and relative rarity, they are most often seen on the black market.
These birds are often poached and should not be purchased.
Are black cockatoos rare?
Black cockatoos are considered some of Australia’s rarest birds.
They have even taken on a bit of an iconic status in the country.
For comparison, they are rarer than lions in the wild.
Red-tail cockatoos are the most common of all types.
There are an estimated 15,000 wild red-tails in Western Australia (WA), though other sub-types live in other regions.
In WA there are 40,000 estimated Carnaby’s cockatoos and 12,000 estimated Baudin’s cockatoos.
Black cockatoos can only be found in Australia, with some sub-species even being completely isolated from one another.
For example, there are two sub-types of glossy black cockatoos that are only found on Kangaroo Island.
This separation of species, even within Australia, makes each specific type of cockatoo even more rare.
Sanctuaries in Australia are attempting to conserve each species, despite constant habitat loss.
Are black cockatoos endangered?
All black cockatoos are considered quite rare, and a few are officially classified as endangered species.
They have lost around 87% of their breeding habitat.
Carndaby’s black cockatoos and Baudin’s black cockatoos are listed as endangered.
This is the most serious classification.
Glossy black cockatoos are classified as vulnerable, as are red-tailed cockatoos and yellow-tailed cockatoos.
The main danger to black cockatoos is the destruction of their native habitat.
Large-scale destruction of forests, clearing of brushland, and massive wildfires have dramatically reduced suitable places for them to live.
Other human-caused dangers include illegal shooting and illegal poaching. On top of these dangers, they can be hit by cars or injured by other man-made infrastructure.
To add to the challenge of re-population, black cockatoos only lay one or two eggs each breeding season.
They will only raise one chick to adulthood, and chicks take up to 18 months to become self-sufficient.
This slow reproductive cycle, on top of receding habitat, fires, and human encroachment, is making it very hard to heal the population of wild black cockatoos in Australia.
Can you have a black cockatoo as a pet?
No, you should not keep black cockatoos as a pet.
Because they are so rare they have become a prime target for the wildlife black market.
Poachers will often steal chicks from their nests, raising them around humans and selling them at sky-high prices.
Australian officials have been working on cracking down on the issue and having a black cockatoo does require a license.
Nevertheless, poaching will continue as long as the black cockatoo remains in demand.
They can be sold for prices reaching $30,000, making the trade quite lucrative.
Because this is the most common source of pet black cockatoos it is highly discouraged to buy one.
It is essential that bird-lovers avoid contributing to a practice that will only harm conservation efforts.
Better sources for a pet black cockatoo would include rescues, adoption agencies, and reputable breeders found in Australia.
It is very difficult to ethically adopt a black cockatoo outside of Australia.
Adoption fees for a black cockatoo can be up to $20,000, making them one of the most expensive types of parrot.
Do black cockatoos make good pets?
If you were to find a bird that is ethically sourced, then black cockatoos can make wonderful pets.
They are very loving and friendly, bonding closely with their human keepers.
They also tend to be less noisy than other varieties!
They have very high requirements when it comes to space and attention.
They require a full-sized aviary and plenty of time outside of their cage to get enough exercise in.
They also should not be left alone for long periods of time.
They are very curious and personable by nature.
Their intelligence makes them wonderful birds to train, and they can often learn how to speak and do tricks.
They also live quite long lives, around 50 years in captivity.
Remain mindful of their required diet.
Black cockatoos have specific requirements and can become overweight easily.
They should be fed their native diet of palm fruit, eucalyptus tree bark, and seeds.
Given their endangered status, we recommend allowing experts at sanctuaries to raise any domestic black cockatoos.
It is vital that they grow up healthy to maintain the population and avoid unnecessary losses.
Black cockatoos are a gem in the bird world.
Their iconic coloring and calls are synonymous with their native Australian habitat and their diversity makes them one of the least common types of parrots.
As bird-lovers we must do whatever we can to support black cockatoo conservation efforts, including advocating for habitat preservation, supporting rescues, and avoiding the wildlife black market.