Palm Cockatoos Cockatoos aka Black Palm Cockatoos
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The Palm Cockatoo, Probosciger aterrimus, is a large black parrot of the cockatoo family and this species is unique in its kind. It is the only species in its genus (Probosciger) and subfamily (Microglossinae) and its unique position within the cockatoo family has been confirmed by molecular studies.
Distribution:
It is found in northern Queensland and New Guinea. The Palm Cockatoo is currently listed under least concern by the IUCN while the species is listed on CITES as Lower Risk - near threatened. This species is in high demand for the pet trade due to its unusual appearance, and does not breed well in captivity, requiring the removal of wild birds. It is still relatively common in Cape York, but is threatened there by habitat loss.
Description:
It measures around 55-60 cm in length and weighs between 500-1,000 g. It is a distinctive bird with a large crest and one of the largest bills of any parrot (only the Hyacinth Macaw's is larger). The bill is also unusual as the lower and upper mandibles do not meet for much of its length, allowing the tongue to hold a nut against the top mandible while the lower mandible works to open it. The Palm Cockatoo also has a distinctive red gape that changes color when the bird is alarmed or excited.
Call:
The Palm Cockatoo makes four different kinds of vocalisations. It also has a unique display where the bird drums a large branch against a dead bough or tree, creating a loud noise that can be heard up to 100 m away.
(Source: Wikipedia.org)
Training and Behavioral Guidance:
- Cockatoos generally present challenges, such as excessive screaming or chewing - especially at certain stages in their life. They do discover their beaks as method of "disciplining us" once they are out of the "baby stage" and they can generally be somewhat naughty, and it really is important to learn to understand them and to guide their behavior before an undesirable behavior has been established. Undisciplined parrots will chew on electric wiring potentially causing house fires. They regard anything in your home as a "toy" that can be explored and chewed on; destroying items that you may hold dear or are simply valuable. Even a young bird that has not been neglected and abused requires proper guidance; this becomes even more challenging when it involves a rescued bird that may require rehabilitation.
- Web Resources: I put together web resources for you to help you understand your pet bird and properly direct him. Please visit this website for valuable tips on parrot behavior and training.
- If you are, as I am, a visual learner and prefer step-by-step instructions to train your pet, I recommend:
- the Parrot Training Course to teach your parrot to:
- Stop Biting
- Perform Tricks &
- Tame ANY SIZE bird you could possibly own
- and/or try the "Teach Your Parrot to Talk" Training Course.
- the Parrot Training Course to teach your parrot to:
Genus: English: Palm Cockatoos ... Dutch: Zwarte Kakatoes ...
German: Arakakadus ... French: Cacatoès Palmier 
Species: Scientific:
Probosciger aterrimus aterrimus ...English: Palm
Cockatoos ...Dutch: Palmkakatoe, Arakakatoe, Zwarte
Kakatoe ... German: Palmkakadu, Ararakakadu, Schwarzkakadu
... French: Cacatoès grande de Palmier CITES
I - Protected Species Sub-Species: stenolophus, aterrimus Distribution: Aru Island, Misool Western Papuan
Island, West Irian, Northern Australia, Southern New Guinea,
Cape York Peninsula
Related Web Resources: CentralPets.com ... Lexicon of Parrots ... Palm Cockatoos Husbandry Manual Online
Sub-species:
Goliath Palm Cockatoos: Genus: English: Palm Cockatoos ... Dutch: Zwarte Kakatoes ... German: Arakakadus ... French: Cacatoès Palmier Species: Scientific: Probosciger aterrimus goliath ... English: Greater Palm Cockatoos ... Dutch: Grote Palmkakatoe ... German: Großer Palmkakadu ... French: Cacatoès à petite huppe de Palmier CITES I- Protected Species Distribution: Western Papuan Islands, New Guinea, West Irian, Papua Related Web Resources: CentralPets.com
Species: Scientific: Probosciger aterrimus stenolophus ... English: Van Oort's Palm Cockatoos ... Dutch: Van Oorts' Palmkakatoe ... German:
Van Oorts Palmkakadu ...French: Cacatoès de Palmier van Oort CITES I -
Protected Species Distribution: Japen Island in Geelvink Bay, West Irian, Northern New Guinea, West Irian, Eastern Papua Related Web Resources: Lexicon of Parrots (Scroll down to Number 3)
If you would like to add to or correct any of the above information, or would like to share with web visitors your own experiences, please e-mail the webmaster.
Photo contributions are welcome!
