Bare-eyed Cockatoo
Cacatua sanguinea
Australia & New Guinea • Little Corella
IUCN Status
Least Concern
The Bare-eyed Cockatoo (Cacatua sanguinea), also widely known as the **Little Corella**, is a medium-sized, highly social, and intelligent white cockatoo. It is easily recognised by its snowy-white plumage, distinctive bare pinkish-orange eye-ring, and short crest. Known for its playful, cheeky personality and loud, raucous calls, the Bare-eyed Cockatoo is one of the most common and beloved cockatoos in Australian aviculture. It forms strong bonds with its owners and thrives on interaction and mental stimulation.
General Description
| Common Name | Bare-eyed Cockatoo (Little Corella) |
| Latin Name | Cacatua sanguinea |
| Family | Cacatuidae • Cockatoos |
| Adult Size | 35–40 cm (14–16 in) |
| Weight | 400–600 g |
| Life Span | 40–60+ years in captivity |
| Sexual Maturity | 4–6 years |
| Clutch Size | 2–4 eggs |
| Gender Difference | No reliable visual sexual dimorphism. Males are slightly larger with broader beaks; DNA testing is required. |
| Natural Habitat | Open woodlands, grasslands, farmlands, and areas near water with abundant eucalypts. |
| Origin / Range | Australia (widespread inland) and southern New Guinea. |
| Care Level | Intermediate to Advanced • Needs large space, strong enrichment, and experienced keeper |
Cacatua sanguinea • Adult showing bare eye-ring
LITTLE CORELLA • SOCIAL & CHEEKY
Subspecies & Plumage
Four subspecies are recognised, differing mainly in size and the extent of the bare eye skin:
| Subspecies | Main Range | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| C. s. sanguinea (Nominate) | Northern and eastern Australia | Most widespread. Medium size with prominent bare pinkish eye-ring. |
| C. s. gymnopis | Inland Australia | Larger with more extensive bare skin around the eyes. |
| C. s. normantoni | Cape York Peninsula | Smaller with slightly different eye-ring coloration. |
| C. s. transfreta | Southern New Guinea | Slightly smaller and paler overall. |
General Plumage Notes: The Bare-eyed Cockatoo is almost entirely white with a short crest and a prominent bare pinkish-orange skin ring around the eyes. The undertail and underwings often show a faint yellowish tint. Juveniles have less developed bare eye skin and slightly greyer plumage.
Conservation Status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List) — CITES Appendix II
Cacatua Genus
Australia & New Guinea
Little Corella