Western Corella

1. Medium-length crest and distinctively long upper bill

2. Pale blue skin around the eyes with pink patches on the face

3. Worried-sounding, wavering cry that's slightly lower-pitched than the Little Corella's call

These birds form strong pair bonds that last year-round, with breeding occurring from July to October. Both parents share nest preparation, incubation duties for 22-26 days, and feeding responsibilities. After fledging, young birds stay with their parents until almost the next breeding seasona remarkably long period of parental care compared to many birds.

Look for Western Corellas in open eucalypt woodlands, especially along watercourses, and adjacent farmlands with large trees throughout southwestern Australia. They're most active during early morning and late afternoon when they forage on the ground in large, noisy flocks. During breeding season (July-October), check near large eucalyptus trees where they nest. Listen for their distinctive callsa flock of Western Corellas is rarely quiet for long.

The Western Corella has experienced a dramatic comeback story. Once hunted to near extinction in the 1940s when only about 100 birds remained, they've since rebounded thanks to agricultural expansion providing new food sources and protection laws. Today, they're an increasingly common sight across southwestern Australia's agricultural landscapes.