Western Corella
Cacatua pastinator
Western Australia • Long-billed Corella
IUCN Status
Least Concern
The Western Corella (Cacatua pastinator) is a striking white cockatoo endemic to southwestern Western Australia. It is closely related to the Long-billed Corella but is distinguished by its longer, more slender bill and slightly different facial markings. Like other corellas, it is highly social, intelligent, and playful, with a loud, raucous voice and a strong need for companionship. It thrives in open woodlands and farmlands and is well-known for its acrobatic flight and cheeky personality.
General Description
| Common Name | Western Corella |
| Latin Name | Cacatua pastinator |
| Family | Cacatuidae • Cockatoos |
| Adult Size | 38–42 cm (15–16.5 in) |
| Weight | 500–700 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; DNA testing is recommended. |
| Natural Habitat | Open woodlands, farmlands, and areas with abundant eucalypts and acacias in southwestern Western Australia. |
| Origin / Range | Southwestern Western Australia. |
| Care Level | Intermediate to Advanced • Needs large space and strong social interaction |
Cacatua pastinator • Adult showing long bill and white plumage
WESTERN CORELLA • LONG-BILLED BEAUTY FROM WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Subspecies & Plumage
Two subspecies are recognised, differing mainly in size and bill length:
| Subspecies | Main Range | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| C. p. pastinator (Nominate) | Southwestern Western Australia | Larger with a longer, more slender bill. |
| C. p. derbyi | Central wheatbelt of Western Australia | Slightly smaller with subtle differences in bill proportions. |
General Plumage Notes: The Western Corella has pure white plumage with a short crest and bright orange-red facial skin around the eyes. It has a noticeably long, slender upper mandible compared to other corellas. The underwings and undertail show a faint yellowish tint. Juveniles have duller facial skin and shorter bills.
Conservation Status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List) — CITES Appendix II
Cacatua Genus
Southwestern Western Australia
Western Corella