Palm Cockatoos Cockatoos aka Black Palm Cockatoos
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The Palm Cockatoo, Probosciger aterrimus, is a large black parrot of the cockatoo family and this species is unique in its kind. It is the only species in its genus (Probosciger) and subfamily (Microglossinae) and its unique position within the cockatoo family has been confirmed by molecular studies.
Distribution:
It is found in northern Queensland and New Guinea. The Palm Cockatoo is currently listed under least concern by the IUCN while the species is listed on CITES as Lower Risk - near threatened. This species is in high demand for the pet trade due to its unusual appearance, and does not breed well in captivity, requiring the removal of wild birds. It is still relatively common in Cape York, but is threatened there by habitat loss.
Description:
It measures around 55-60 cm in length and weighs between 500-1,000 g. It is a distinctive bird with a large crest and one of the largest bills of any parrot (only the Hyacinth Macaw's is larger). The bill is also unusual as the lower and upper mandibles do not meet for much of its length, allowing the tongue to hold a nut against the top mandible while the lower mandible works to open it. The Palm Cockatoo also has a distinctive red gape that changes color when the bird is alarmed or excited.
Call:
The Palm Cockatoo makes four different kinds of vocalisations. It also has a unique display where the bird drums a large branch against a dead bough or tree, creating a loud noise that can be heard up to 100 m away.
Training and Behavioral Guidance:
Cockatoos certainly demand a lot of attention, but are appreciated for their exceptionally loving, devoted personality that is second to none. Cockatoos require an extremely dedicated owner who is willing to provide significant and meaningful attention to these intelligent parrots. They require consistent training from a young age to ensure potential cockatoo owners enjoy a bird free of destructive and annoying habits. Behavioral challenges that cockatoos present include:
- Excessive Chewing: Any parrot will chew. In nature, they use their beak to "customize" their favorite tree, to enlarge the size of their nest in a tree hollow. Doing this keeps their beaks in good condition. The problem is excessive and undesirable chewing. Undisciplined cockatoos will chew on electric wiring potentially causing house fires. The owner needs to provide plenty of "healthy" chewing opportunities (bird toys, natural wood branches, etc.) and training is necessary to teach a cockatoo what is "off-limits."
- Biting: Cockatoos, as most parrots, are likely to discover their beaks as a method of "disciplining us" once they are out of the "baby stage." It really is important to learn to understand them and to guide their behavior before an undesirable behavior has been established. If this behavior is unchecked, the cockatoo is likely to be dominating the entire family, chasing and attacking their least favorite humans (usually the ones they deem to be a competitor for their human mate's affection). Training is vital to stop this destructive behavior.
- Screaming: Not everybody can tolerate the natural loud call of a cockatoo, and even though it can't (or should not) be entirely eliminated, there are ways to discourage screaming / screeching in your pet cockatoo.
Training and behavioral guidance will help your pet be the kind of companion you want it to be ...
- AvianWeb Resources: I put together web resources for you to help you understand your pet bird and properly direct him. Please visit this website for valuable tips on parrot behavior and training. If you found a way to resolve a "parrot behavioral issue" please share it with others.
- If you are, as I am, a visual learner and prefer step-by-step instructions to train your pet, I recommend:
- the Parrot Training Course to teach your parrot to:
- Stop Biting
- Perform Tricks &
- Tame ANY SIZE bird you could possibly own
- and/or try the "Teach Your Parrot to Talk" Training Course.
- the Parrot Training Course to teach your parrot to:
If you are considering one of these magnificent parrots as pets, please visit the following websites for information:
- Cockatoo General Information
- Procuring your Parrot
- Bird Breeders
- Do you breed this species and would like to be listed? Click here to see your options.
- The 3 Key Elements to Keep Your Pet Bird Happy & Healthy
- Housing Your Bird
- Bird Nutrition
- Parrot Products
Taxonomy:
Genus: English: Palm Cockatoos ... Dutch: Zwarte Kakatoes ... German: Arakakadus ... French: Cacatoès Palmier
Species: Scientific: Probosciger aterrimus aterrimus ...English: Palm Cockatoos ...Dutch: Palmkakatoe, Arakakatoe, Zwarte Kakatoe ... German: Palmkakadu, Ararakakadu, Schwarzkakadu ... French: Cacatoès grande de Palmier
Sub-Species: stenolophus, aterrimus
CITES I - Protected Species
Distribution: Aru Island, Misool Western Papuan Island, West Irian, Northern Australia, Southern New Guinea, Cape York Peninsula
Sub-species:
Genus: English: Palm Cockatoos ... Dutch: Zwarte Kakatoes ... German: Arakakadus ... French: Cacatoès Palmier
Species: Scientific: Probosciger aterrimus goliath ... English: Greater Palm Cockatoos ... Dutch: Grote Palmkakatoe ... German: Großer Palmkakadu ... French: Cacatoès à petite huppe de Palmier
CITES I - Protected Species
Genus: Scientific: Probosciger ... English: Palm Cockatoos's ... Dutch: Zwarte Kakatoes ... German: Arakakadus ... French: Cacatoès Palmier
Species: Scientific: Probosciger aterrimus stenolophus ... English: Van Oort's Palm Cockatoos ... Dutch: Van Oorts' Palmkakatoe ... German: Van Oorts Palmkakadu ...French: Cacatoès de Palmier van Oort
CITES I - Protected Species
Related Web Resources: Lexicon of Parrots (Scroll down to Number 3)
If you would like to add to or correct any of the above information, or would like to share with the AvianWeb visitors your own experiences, please e-mail the AvianWeb Webmaster.
Photo contributions and articles are welcome!
