Latin Name: Probosciger aterrimus

Status: Near Threatened

Food: Wild Diet: Seeds, nuts, fruits, berries and leaf buds.

Population: Around 30,000 in the wild.

Distribution: New Guinea and Cape York, Australia

Palm Cockatoo

This magnificent species is the largest member of the cockatoo family. The birds have an unusual patch of bare skin on their cheeks which blushes bright red when they call to a mate or defend their territory.

They are slow to reproduce, just one egg is laid at a time and the chick stays dependent in the nest for 80 days. However, the species has a large range and is thought to be quite common in remote areas of New Guinea, although rare around settlements.

The World Parrot Trust charity based at Paradise Park chose the Palm as its emblem when it was established in 1989. The Trust supported research by Steve Murphy to learn in detail about feeding and breeding habits of wild birds, with the aim of better management for their native habitat.

Learn more on the World Parrot Trust website here.

NEWS STORIES

Herbert the adorable Palm Cockatoo December 2017
Comedian Bill Bailey meets Herbert and staff   March 2018
First Birthday Cake for Herbert at one year old  August 2018