Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo

Zanda latirostris Western Australia • Endangered

IUCN Status

Endangered

Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo (Zanda latirostris), also known as the Short-billed Black Cockatoo, is a large, striking black cockatoo endemic to the southwest of Western Australia. It features glossy black plumage with white cheek patches, a shorter, broader upper mandible than Baudin’s, and bright red tail panels in males. Highly social and intelligent, this species forms strong pair bonds and is known for its loud, far-carrying calls and playful behaviour in the wild. Due to significant habitat loss and competition for nesting sites, it is listed as Endangered, making captive breeding and conservation efforts vital for its future.

General Description

Common Name	Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo (Short-billed Black Cockatoo)
Latin Name	Zanda latirostris
Family	Cacatuidae • Cockatoos
Adult Size	53–58 cm (21–23 in)
Weight	580–790 g
Life Span	40–60+ years in captivity
Sexual Maturity	4–6 years
Clutch Size	1–2 eggs
Gender Difference	Males have bright red tail panels; females have yellowish-white or pale orange tail panels with black barring. Males also have a shorter, broader upper mandible.
Natural Habitat	Banksia woodlands, proteaceous shrublands, and eucalypt forests in the wheatbelt and coastal southwest of Western Australia.
Origin / Range	Endemic to the southwest of Western Australia.
Care Level	Advanced • Requires large aviary, specialized diet, and experienced keeper

Zanda latirostris - Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo

Zanda latirostris • Adult male showing red tail panels

SHORT-BILLED BLACK COCKATOO • ENDANGERED WESTERN AUSTRALIAN ICON

Subspecies & Plumage

Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo is currently considered monotypic (no recognised subspecies), although it is very closely related to Baudin’s Black Cockatoo.

Key Plumage Features

This large black cockatoo has glossy black plumage with prominent white cheek patches. Males display vivid red tail panels, while females have yellowish-white or pale orange tail panels with black barring. It has a shorter, broader upper mandible compared to Baudin’s Black Cockatoo, adapted for feeding on a wider variety of seeds, especially from banksia and hakea.

Juveniles resemble females but have duller tail panels and less defined cheek patches. This species is known for its loud, far-carrying calls and strong flocking behaviour outside the breeding season.

Conservation Status: Endangered (IUCN Red List) — CITES Appendix I

Zanda Genus

Southwest Western Australia

Short-billed Black Cockatoo