FAMILY:
Cacatuidae
GENUS: Calyptorhynchus
SPECIES: baudinii
Description:
Large
cockatoo with dull black body plumage narrowly scalloped in white, off-white
cheek patches and large white tail panels. Males have black or dark grey beaks
and a fleshy coloured periopthalmic ring. Adult females have white beaks and a
(less pronounced dark grey periopthalmic ring. Immatures resemble females.
Often
encountered in family parties or large feeding/foraging flocks.
Length: 500-600mm.
Distribution:
Restricted
to Marri and Karri forests in south-western Western
Australia.
Habitat:
Eucalypt
forests and woodland, especially Karri and Marri,
suburban parks and gardens.
Diet:
Eucalypt
seeds, fruits and insects.
Breeding:
From
July to December.
The
usual nesting site is a tree cavity high in a eucalypt. The cavity varies from
50cm to 2m or more. Both the male and female prepare the nesting site, sometimes
commencing preparation several weeks before the first egg is laid. Although only
the female incubates the eggs, both parents care for the young. The male feeds
the female during incubation. The bottom of the nest is usually covered in a
thick layer of woodchips.
In
captivity white-tails usually prefer nesting logs of 1-1.5m in height with an
internal diameter of about 40cm and an entrance of at least 20cm diameter.
Entrances should be at the top or on the side near the top. Logs may be
suspended vertically or placed on the ground (upright). The preferred nesting
material is a mixture of wood shavings and dirt (esp. termite nest) or peat
moss.
Courtship
Display
This
is similar to that of the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo. It involves approaching
the female with the crest ruffed and tail feathers fanned whilst holding the
body fully erect. His approach is in a strutting manner and he accompanies this
with a clucking sound.
Sexual
Maturity
White-tailed
Black Cockatoos reach maturity at 4-5 years of age. As is the case with so many
cockatoos and parrots however, they may breed as early as 2-3 years. This only
happens in unusual circumstances however.
Clutch:
2
white oval eggs laid at interval of between 2 and 7
days. Incubation period: about 28-30 days. Fledging usually occurs at about 70
days after which the chick remains dependant on the parents for a further 3-4
months.
Mutations
and Hybrids:
No
records.
Suitable
Aviaries and Compatible Birds
As
a minimum, a single bird may be housed in such a cage provided it measures at
least 800mm x 600mm x 1200mm (approximately). Pairs can be kept in a slightly
larger cage. However, these birds always fare better (and look more spectacular)
in larger aviaries. These should be somewhere in the vicinity of 2m wide x 2m
high x 5 or 6m long so as to provide amply flight space and to accommodate
nesting logs etc.
The wire should be of a heavy duty grade, as cockatoos
easily chew holes in lighter grade wire. Similarly, the frame should be
constructed of steel to avoid the birds chewing the structure
away.
Species
Specific Problems
Intestinal
worms are a common problem in species which spend considerable time on the
ground. Similarly, fungal infections may become a problem. These are relatively
easily dealt with however simply by maintaining a high standard of hygiene.
Another problem encountered in this species is Psittacine
beak and feather disease. This is an incurable disease which is transmitted
through feaces. Essentially, it results in poor
feather growth and feathers which don't replace themselves when they fall out.
Similarly, the beak is also affected and becomes fragile and does not repair
itself.
It is advisable to test birds suspected to have this condition. The
best course of action for affected birds is to destroy them as there is no cure.
Infected birds will infect their offspring simply by feeding them as there is always chances of contact with faeces in the nest and during feeding of the young.
Feather plucking may also occur in these cockatoos