Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo

1. Bright yellow panels on the tail that flash when flying

2. Distinctive slow, undulating flight pattern with deep wing beats

3. Haunting, drawn-out "kee-ow" call that sounds almost mournful

Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos have a lengthy breeding season that varies by region. Pairs nest in large tree hollows lined with wood chips, with females handling all incubation duties while males provide food. Usually only one chick survives and stays with its parents for about six months, creating small family groups that may join larger flocks.

Look for Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos throughout southeastern Australia, from South Australia's Eyre Peninsula to Queensland. They prefer eucalypt forests and woodlands but have adapted to feeding in pine plantations. Early morning and late afternoon are ideal times to spot small flocks flying between feeding and roosting areas. Listen for their distinctive calls echoing through the trees. When feeding, they often hang upside down from branches or spend time methodically tearing apart seed pods and pine cones.