Did you know if you see a Cockatoo in the Hastings Region with red tail panels it is most likely the vulnerable Glossy Black Cockatoo (not Red Tailed Black)? We have been getting quite a few Glossy Black Cockatoo sightings recently. They are listed as Vulnerable in NSW which is why it is so important to report sightings. If you have a sighting of a Glossy Black Cockatoo please let us know.
Glossy Black Cockatoos are the smallest Australian cockatoo and are quite often confused with red-tailed black cockatoos that are found further north of the Hastings. They are often sited in small groups of 2-4 birds or feeding on She-Oaks such as allocasuarina torulosa, casurina allocasuarina littoralis , casuarina glauca and casuarina equisetifolia. These trees are vital for the survival of glossy black cockatoo.
Like all species of cockatoo the Glossy Black requires very old hollow baring trees(dead or alive) to nest and raise young. It can take well over 100 years for a tree to develop hollows suitable for cockatoos. These birds lay one egg every 1-2years and feed young for up to 4 months.
Some recent sightings include along roadsides and on private properties. With Landcare support one landholder had just removed choking lantana in the mid-story of their forest and for the first time have had regular Glossy Black Cockatoo visitors over Feburary! Removing the lantana has allowed Forest Oak (allocasuarina torulosa) to thrive!
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