Long-billed Corella

1. Long, slender upper bill that extends noticeably beyond the lower part

2. Distinctive orange-red crescent marking across the upper chest

3. Loud, quavering call that sounds like "wulluk-wulluk" or "cadillac-cadillac"

The breeding season runs from July to December, with pairs forming monogamous bonds. Both parents prepare their nest in tree hollows or cavities in gravelly cliffs, share incubation duties for about 24 days, and care for their chicks for nearly 8 weeks. They're highly social birds that typically forage and roost together in flocks.

Long-billed Corellas prefer grassy woodlands and open grasslands throughout southeastern Australia. Look for them foraging on the ground in large, vocal flocks, especially in pastures, crop fields, and increasingly in urban parks. They're active during daylight hours but are especially visible in the early morning and late afternoon when feeding. Listen for their noisy calls to locate themthese social birds rarely keep quiet for long. Try scanning open grassy areas near large eucalyptus trees.

Naturally occurring in southeastern Australia, the Long-billed Corella's range has expanded with escaped cage birds establishing new populations in other parts of eastern Australia. Their name "Cacatua" comes from the Malay word for cockatoo, reflecting Australia's long history of connection with neighboring regions.