PALM COCKATOO


The king of Australian parrots without doubt is the spectacular Palm Cockatoo of Cape York. Large and glossy black plumage, with a magnificient head crest and a naked cheek patch which blushes to bright red when the bird becomes excited. The beak is incredibly strong and massive, and in the wild is an essential tool in extracting the seeds of the pandanus palm, which lie deep inside a protective cover. During the breeding season the bird becomes intensely secretive but little is known of their nesting habits. This lack of knowledge has hampered attempts to breed the palm cockatoo in captivity, something essential for its survival. Its good looks also have made it a target for illegal bird traffickers and collectors. These cockatoos are a prime target for smugglers. The Palm Cockatoo has an extremely restricted range in Australia, living in coastal areas on the fringe between rainforest and eucalypt woodlands, at the very tip of Cape York Peninsula. Habitat loss has already diminished its range, and any further significant clearing of the rainforests could see it wiped out.

The 'Australiana Collection' wildlife design portrays the dramatic beauty of the rare Palm Cockatoo of Australia.

Australiana Collection