These Cockatoo group in sizes of 2 - 10. They are not very territorial, but could defend nests and customary feeding areas. Glossy Black Cockatoos make an exceptional pet and share a unique relationship with their owners. They are very intelligent. These birds are susceptible to intestinal worms and fungal infections. This can be avoided if a high standard of hygiene is maintained. Psittacine beak and feather-disease is another common ailment. This is an incurable disease transmitted through the feces. This results in poor regrowth of feathers and weakening of the beak. The diseased beaks are of a deep glossy color instead of the normal chalky gray color. Behavior Pet Quality Glossy Black Cockatoo Diet Reproduction Conservation Status They mainly feed on the seeds of Casuarinas and occasionally on insects, and seeds of Eucalyptus, Angophoras, Hakeas and Acacias. Pairs engage in mutual preening. Their mating display involves the male ruffling his crest, the feathers on his head and fanning his tail. He approaches the female bobbing his head while uttering a soft whistle. Such male displays go on throughout the year and become more regular as the breeding season approaches. The breeding season is from March to August. Both the male and the female build their nest in the cavities of trees. When an egg is laid, the female incubates it, and later, cares for the young once the egg hatches after 30 days. The male feeds the female during the incubation. These birds are sexually mature at 4 - 5 years. The South Australian subspecies of the Glossy Black Cockatoo is currently listed as an endangered species under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Glossy Black Cockatoo Conservation Act, 1999. A five-step recovery plan has been put into place and this involves: (i) Monitoring nesting and maintenance and protection of nests; (ii) Surveying the population; (iii) Protection and re-establishment of habitat; (iv) Promotion and facilitation of community participation; and finally, (v) Management of the plan by proper team. The biggest threat to the survival of the Glossy Black Cockatoo is the loss of living and breeding habitats due to the clearing of Casuarinas trees and the loss of mature Eucalyptus nest hollows. Attacks by feral cats and possums and competition for nests by Galahs are other factors. Threats Glossy Black Cockatoo Goffin's Cockatoo Distribution Physical Description This species of Cockatoo is native to Indonesia and is found on the Tenimber islands. The Goffin’s Cockatoo is the smallest in the Cacatuidae family. It is a white bird, with peach-colored feathers near the face and a yellow splash on its tail. Males and females of the species look alike. They have brown eyes and blue eyelids. Males have a black iris while females have a dark reddis-brown iris. They have a recumbent crest that, when raised looks like a horn. ubfamily: SScientific Name: Body Length: Weight: Other Common Name: Cacatuinae Cacatua goffini 12 inches (31 cm) 0.7 pound (350 gm). |