Pink cockatoo

The pink cockatoo, also known as Major Mitchell's cockatoo or Leadbeater's cockatoo, is a medium-sized cockatoo that inhabits arid and semi-arid inland areas across Australia, with the exception of the north east.

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Distribution

Region

Australian arid and semi-arid interior

Typical Environment

Occurs across inland Australia, avoiding the humid coastal fringe and the far northeast. It favors mallee and mulga woodlands, acacia shrublands, cypress-pine and eucalypt woodlands, especially along watercourses. The species requires access to permanent or seasonal water and nests in large hollows of mature eucalypts or callitris. It uses open areas for foraging but retreats to timbered sites for roosting and breeding. It is patchy where extensive clearing has reduced old hollow-bearing trees.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1200 m

Climate Zone

Arid

Characteristics

Size35–40 cm

Wing Span75–95 cm

Male Weight0.4 kg

Female Weight0.37 kg

Life Expectancy40 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

Also called Major Mitchell's cockatoo, it is famed for its spectacular crest with crimson and yellow bands. It forms long-term pair bonds and depends on large tree hollows near reliable water. Sensitive to disturbance and habitat clearing, it can be locally scarce despite a wide range. Its flight displays often include dramatic crest-raising and loud calls.

Gallery

Adult perched on a tree in Melbourne Zoo

Behaviour

Temperament

social and wary; strongly bonded pairs; territorial near nest sites

Flight Pattern

strong direct flight with deep, deliberate wingbeats; occasional glides between trees

Social Behavior

Often seen in pairs or small family groups, forming larger flocks at waterholes outside the breeding season. Pairs typically bond for life and defend nest hollows in tall trees. Breeding usually follows seasonal rains, with 2–4 eggs laid in deep hollows lined with wood chips.

Migratory Pattern

Resident with local nomadic movements following rainfall and food availability

Song Description

Loud, ringing screeches and grating calls carry over long distances, especially in flight. At close range, pairs exchange softer whistles and chattering contact notes during courtship and feeding.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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