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 sighted in small groups of 2-4 birds or feeding on She-Oaks such as allocasuarina torulosa, casuarina 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-bearing 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 1-2 years 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 February! Removing the lantana has allowed Forest Oak (allocasuarina torulosa) to thrive!
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