Black Palm Cockatoo
Probosciger aterrimus
New Guinea & Cape York • Gentle Giant
IUCN Status
Least Concern
The Black Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus), also known as the Goliath Cockatoo, is the largest of all cockatoos and one of the most impressive parrots in the world. It is instantly recognisable by its massive size, entirely black plumage with a subtle grey sheen, a huge powerful beak, and a prominent red cheek patch that flushes when excited. Known for its gentle, intelligent, and somewhat solemn personality, the Black Palm Cockatoo is a slow-maturing, long-lived species that forms deep bonds with its owners. It is a drum-beating, tool-using specialist that requires experienced care and a very large aviary.
General Description
| Common Name | Black Palm Cockatoo (Goliath Cockatoo) |
| Latin Name | Probosciger aterrimus |
| Family | Cacatuidae • Cockatoos |
| Adult Size | 55–65 cm (22–26 in) |
| Weight | 800–1,200 g (1.8–2.6 lb) |
| Life Span | 50–80+ years (one of the longest-lived parrots) |
| Sexual Maturity | 7–10 years (very slow maturing) |
| Clutch Size | 1 egg (rarely 2) |
| Gender Difference | Males have a larger beak and brighter red cheek patches; females have a smaller beak and paler cheek colour. DNA testing provides certainty. |
| Natural Habitat | Rainforest edges, gallery forests, and woodland with abundant palm trees. |
| Origin / Range | Northern Australia (Cape York Peninsula) and southern New Guinea. |
| Care Level | Advanced • Requires very large aviary, expert care, and experienced keeper |
Probosciger aterrimus • Adult showing massive beak and red cheek patch
LARGEST COCKATOO • GENTLE GIANT OF NEW GUINEA
Subspecies & Plumage
Four subspecies are recognised, differing mainly in size and the intensity of the red cheek patch:
| Subspecies | Main Range | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| P. a. aterrimus (Nominate) | Southern New Guinea | Large with prominent red cheek patches. |
| P. a. goliath | Cape York Peninsula, Australia | Largest subspecies with very large beak and vivid red cheek flash. |
| P. a. macgillivrayi | Northern Cape York | Intermediate size with slightly less intense cheek colour. |
| P. a. intermedius | Aru Islands | Smaller with more subdued cheek patches. |
General Plumage Notes: The Black Palm Cockatoo is almost entirely charcoal-black with a subtle grey sheen. Males have brighter red cheek patches that flush when excited. It has the largest beak of any parrot relative to body size, specially adapted for cracking hard palm nuts. Juveniles have duller plumage and smaller cheek patches.
Conservation Status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List) — CITES Appendix II
Probosciger Genus
New Guinea & Cape York
Largest Cockatoo