Baudin’s Black Cockatoo

Zanda baudinii Western Australia • Endangered
IUCN Status
Endangered
Baudin’s Black Cockatoo (Zanda baudinii), also known as the Long-billed Black Cockatoo, is a large, majestic, and rare black cockatoo endemic to the southwest of Western Australia. It is characterised by its glossy black plumage with subtle white cheek patches, a long, slender upper mandible, and bright red tail panels in males. This species is highly intelligent, social, and specialized in feeding on the seeds of marri and jarrah trees. Due to habitat loss and competition with other species, it is listed as Endangered, making captive breeding and conservation efforts critical for its survival.

General Description

Common Name Baudin’s Black Cockatoo (Long-billed Black Cockatoo)
Latin Name Zanda baudinii
Family Cacatuidae • Cockatoos
Adult Size 50–60 cm (20–24 in)
Weight 600–800 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 larger, longer upper mandible.
Natural Habitat Tall eucalypt forests, especially marri and jarrah woodlands in the southwest of Western Australia.
Origin / Range Endemic to the southwest corner of Western Australia.
Care Level Advanced • Requires large aviary, specialized diet, and experienced keeper
Zanda baudinii - Baudin’s Black Cockatoo
Zanda baudinii • Adult male showing red tail panels

LONG-BILLED BLACK COCKATOO • RARE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN ENDEMIC

Subspecies & Plumage

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

Key Plumage Features

This large black cockatoo has predominantly charcoal-black plumage with subtle white cheek patches. Males have bright red tail panels, while females have yellowish-white or pale orange tail panels with black barring. It has a very long, slender upper mandible (longer than Carnaby’s) adapted for extracting seeds from marri nuts. The eyes are dark, and the feet are grey.

Juveniles resemble females but have even duller tail panels. This species is known for being relatively quiet compared to other black cockatoos and is a slow, deliberate flyer.

Conservation Status: Endangered (IUCN Red List) — CITES Appendix I
Zanda Genus
Southwest Western Australia
Long-billed Black Cockatoo