Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnaby's Short-Tailed Black Cockatoo Endemic
A recovery programme for this bird, which is endemic to south west Australia but threatened with extinction, is in place but the prospects don't look at all good. Calyptorhynchus latirostris has very specific habitat needs for breeding and produces a chick once in two years at best. Habitat destruction has now made it nearly impossible for the bird to find suitable breeding sites. The flocks appear to be getting older and although individuals live to a good age of around 50 years.
Normally they would be found in such as Banksia trees eating the nuts but a large flock descended to a grassy airfield near this Bush complex in the Stirling Range National Park and started foraging on the ground. They were a long way away so these photos are straining the capability of my telephoto lens. Our guides who were experienced Australian birders told us to have a good look because in twenty or thirty years time they were certain that this bird will be gone forever.
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| Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnaby's Short-Tailed Black Cockatoo |
Near Stirling Range bush complex, Western Australia 20th September 2012
Added on 27th November 2014