Long-billed Corella

Cacatua tenuirostris Australia • Long-billed Beauty
IUCN Status
Least Concern
The Long-billed Corella (Cacatua tenuirostris) is a striking white cockatoo native to southeastern Australia. It is easily distinguished by its long, slender upper mandible (longer than that of the Little Corella), bright orange-red facial skin, and a prominent crest. Known for its playful, intelligent, and highly social nature, the Long-billed Corella is an excellent talker and mimic. It forms strong bonds with its owners and is generally less noisy than larger white cockatoos, making it a popular choice for experienced keepers who can provide the space and enrichment it needs.

General Description

Common Name Long-billed Corella
Latin Name Cacatua tenuirostris
Family Cacatuidae • Cockatoos
Adult Size 38–42 cm (15–16.5 in)
Weight 500–650 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 recommended.
Natural Habitat Open woodlands, grasslands, farmlands, and areas with abundant eucalypts and acacias.
Origin / Range Southeastern Australia (Victoria, South Australia, and parts of New South Wales).
Care Level Intermediate to Advanced • Needs large space and strong enrichment
Cacatua tenuirostris - Long-billed Corella
Cacatua tenuirostris • Adult showing long bill and orange facial skin

LONG-BILLED CORELLA • ELEGANT AUSTRALIAN COCKATOO

Subspecies & Plumage

The Long-billed Corella is currently considered monotypic (no recognised subspecies).

Key Plumage Features

This elegant white cockatoo has snowy-white plumage with a prominent crest. It features bright orange-red facial skin and a distinctive long, slender upper mandible. The underwings and undertail show a faint yellowish tint. The combination of the long bill and orange facial skin gives it a very refined appearance compared to the Bare-eyed (Little) Corella.

Juveniles have duller facial skin and shorter bills. Long-billed Corellas are known for being playful, intelligent, and relatively quiet for a corella, making them a favourite among cockatoo enthusiasts.

Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN Red List) — CITES Appendix II
Cacatua Genus
Southeastern Australia
Long-billed Corella