General Description
A large parrot with glossy black feathers. A prominent crest of long feathers forms a crest down the back of the head. A long bill and bright red, naked bare patch of skin on the cheek. Weight up to 1 kg, head-body length up to 60 cm.
Biology
A distinctive, active and noisy species. Spends its time alone, with a partner or in small groups. Generally thought to stay in the same area. Young remains with parents until the following breeding season.
Distribution
Papua New Guinea - coastal, Australia - Cape York Peninsula
Habitat
Forest, woodland, dense savannah
More Information
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Animal Type
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Animal SubType
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Fast Fact
Known to hang upside down when raining with wings spread. Performs a drumming display, likely as a way to reinforce pair bonds or defend a territory, where males use a short stick to beat on the trunk of a tree.
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Brief Id
A large, charismatic parrot with glossy black feathers, a long black head crest and bright red cheek patch.
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Colours
Black, Red
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Maximum Size
60 cm
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Habitats
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Where To Look
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When Active
Diurnal
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Diet
Herbivore
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Diet Categories
Seeds, Nuts, Fruits
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Endemicity
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Conservation Statuses
CITES: Trade restrictions (Appendix I), EPBC Act 1999: Vulnerable, FFG Threatened List: Not listed, IUCN Red List: Least Concern
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Taxon Name
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Common Name
Palm Cockatoo
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Kingdom
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Phylum
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Subphylum
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Class
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Order
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Family
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Genus
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Species Name
aterrimus
