One of the regular background noises here in the foothills is the harsh raucous squawking of these magnificent white birds every evening around sunset as they head to their roost for the night. They are Sulphur Crested Cockatoos or Cacatua galerita.
This rather large conspicuous bird is quite a common sight across the top of Australia and down the eastern coast of Queensland. They are an almost everyday sight here in my corner of north-eastern Oz. Known to stay in the same area all year round, we have a large flock living in the foothills that surround my home, so I get to see and hear a lot of these birds.
They have a distinctive sulphur-yellow crest which is often raised when the males are showing off to the opposite sex or when the birds are alarmed or sense danger. There is a yellow wash on the underside of the wings as well.
Sexes are similar, although the female can be separated at close range by its red-brown eye. The males have darker brown eyes.
They eat berries, seeds, nuts and roots. When they’re feeding they will get together in a group and there will be a couple of birds acting as a lookout watching for possible danger. Here's a video of some of the flock sitting in a tree close to our house, while others were feasting in a nearby Weeping Fig tree.
(You will need to scroll down to the Playlist at the bottom of this page and stop the music to enjoy the following video clips!)
They are a very, very, very …. VERY noisy bird, whether they’re resting or in flight. Before the cyclone tore through this area earlier this year, the flock would head off to the ranges towards the south around 6.00 pm every evening. Ever since the cyclone however, they have been roosting at night on the foothills closer to my home, so I have the privilege of nearly the whole flock flying close by on their way to their resting spot for the night. You can hear them coming from quite a way off!
Just a short video this time. Some of the flock are congregating in trees not far off, before they fly off to roost for the night.
As I said, they're quite loud!!!!!
What incredible and interesting birds! Beautiful pictures of them too. Happy WOW!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, they are loud! So wonderful though to see these birds in their natural habitat, rather than in a pet shop. You're so fortunate to live where you do, even if it is a little noisy from time to time ;) By the way, I love your new header graphics!
ReplyDeleteThe only time we would see these magnificent birds are in a cage here. Hmmmm. V
ReplyDeleteI think these birds are fantastic even though they are a bit noisy. You are so lucky to have then flying wild around you. I think I would get into trouble if I lived over in Oz I’d spent far to much time watching the wild life and looking at all the fabulous plants. No work would be done!
ReplyDeleteWow, such pretty noisy birds to have around. The sulphur crest against the pristine plumage is lovely. Interested to know that like Meercats they have look outs so really very social birds, each trying to talk louder than the others. Hope you find time for more WOW posts, Bernie!
ReplyDeleteThey are such a beautiful bird even if they get a little loud. LOL! How do they stay so white.
ReplyDeleteI never tire of seeing birds wild here that I have only ever seen in cages before. They love to gather in the cane fields here when the cane has just been cut.
ReplyDeleteMagnificent but noisy birds.
ReplyDeleteI love your new header! Cockatoos are such beautiful birds. I would love to be able to walk out my door and see these in my trees!
ReplyDeleteLovely birds. I would like to have such birds in my garden. Today I will definitely make some arrangement for bird feeders and bird bath.
ReplyDeleteŚliczne są, ale jak spać nie dają, bo są hałaśliwe, to już kłopot.Pozdrawiam
ReplyDeleteI'm 18 months late. Look on Facebook for the Cockatoo Wingtag page. The Royal Botanical Gardens and Sydney University are doing a study of Cockatoos found in the Gardens and are mapping their range. Some are homebodies, while others have their favourite spots around Sydney.
ReplyDelete