BrokenWing Chronicles
The Black Palm Cockatoo
Probosciger aterrimus

The Black Palm Cockatoo
Loud, large, and elegant, the Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus) is a fascinating resident of Australia.
Cockatoos of the world are classified in the Family Cacatuidae and can be identified by their unusual erect crests. There are 18 species of cockatoos in the world, with 14 of them living in Australia. One of these species, the Palm Cockatoo, is found only in Australia on the tip of Cape York Peninsula in Queensland in the tropical forest, eucalyptus woodlands, and savannah woodlands. They are also found in New Guinea, the Aru Islands, and Indonesia.
Palm Cockatoos are the only cockatoos with totally dark feathers. These huge black cockatoos are the largest cockatoos, and range from 22 to 28 inches (49 to 68 cm.) in length, depending on the subspecies. Wing spans range from 27.5 inches to 39 inches (70 to 100 cm.) They have naked red cheeks, a color-coordinated black and red tongue and a wonderful distinctive black crest of many spiny, backward curving feathers. The coloring of their cheeks may vary and is believed to be due to their health and environment. It is also reported by some that their cheeks will turn blue in color when excited. Palm Cockatoos have massive black beaks with the females having slightly smaller ones. They have a powdery coating on their black feathers, giving them a slightly gray appearance at times.
The wonderful black crests of Palm Cockatoos are much more just ornamental. They will use their crest for communicating with other birds, raising it to silently signal to another bird. Crest displays can be used for showing interest to a potential mate, warning and defending of its territory, or just welcoming another bird.
Normally during October, November and December, the magnificent Palm Cockatoos lay only one egg in their nests built in the deep hollows of trees. This same nest may be used by the cockatoo pair year after year, with some annual repairs and additions of splintered twigs, of course. Both parents share the incubation of their single egg which normally will hatch after 30 days. Mom and Dad will care for the young for over 100 days before youngster fledges. The young Palms can be identified by their paler beak tips and paler faces.
These birds do not form large flocks, preferring to stay in pairs or very small groups. They fly into the trees and feed on fruit, nuts, berries, as well as seeds and buds of leaves.
Noisy birds of the forest, Palm Cockatoos are also excellent mimics, making noises of other animals as well as sounds of nature. They make a harsh screeching call when they feel danger is near. Shortly before sunrise, Palms will begin to call to each other in the decreasing darkness. They also make a series of whistles. Click here to listen to them.
In the wild, Palm Cockatoos are listed in CITES Appendix I as near-threatened world-wide. Palm Cockatoos are severely threatened and protected in Australia. Unfortunately, there are people who still illegally hunt them for food or trap them for sale as pet birds.
http://birding.about.com/library/weekly/aa091800a.htm

Arty,
We were lucky enough to come to know and play with one of these most amazing creatures. I will never forget meeting this bird and he was just as sweet as one could ask for.Also way outa our price range

Thank you for the Reply Jim & Mary Ann, Sadly many Macaws are out of my price range also, These Macaws are trully wonderful birds, simply beautiful.
I dream of being able to care for a great blue, the Scarlet is a passion of mine, I would have to stop rescue in order to be able to save enough money for the bird of my dreams, well......my heart won't allow me to quit rescue, and my dreams...well they are just that My Dreams..
Take care you two, Peace your way, thank you for sharing your encounter & the great pictures with me and ParrotChatter.