Australia is home to some of the most beautiful birds in the world and I think the Major Mitchell’s cockatoo is one of them. Read on to learn more about these lively characters from the bush….
Description of Major Mitchell’s cockatoo
Of the fourteen species of cockatoo in Australia, I think the Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo may be the prettiest of them all. They are predominately white with a soft salmon-pink flush across the face and breast, and underneath the wings. The crest appears white until it’s raised, then a band of red and yellow—reminiscent of an Australian sunset—is displayed.
These small to medium sized cockatoos (35-40cm) are intelligent and lively. Although they have a natural ability to dance, they are weak fliers and tend to fly short distances and then rest. They are also experts in mimicking sounds, including human speech.
Do Major Mitchell’s cockatoos mate for life?
Major Mitchell’s breeding pairs will mate for life—they stay together through thick and thin, often returning to the same nesting site year after year. Nests are crafted in the large holes of very old trees. The nest is lined with wood chips and other organic matter before the mating season (August-December), when the female lays 2-4 eggs. Both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks once they hatch.
A breeding pair tend to be solitary and will not nest within 1km of another Major Mitchell’s breeding pair. Outside of this season they can be found in small groups, sometimes even mixing with galahs (who they occasionally interbreed with).
What do Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos eat?
Depending on the scarcity of food, these omnivores will migrate within a home range of 30km, but if food is sufficient, they will stay in the one location. In the wild, they feed on a variety of seeds, nuts, fruits, bulbs and insects. They’re particularly fond of the seeds of native grasses and shrubs, which they forage from the ground or pluck from plants. Their strong, curved beaks are perfectly adapted for cracking open hard shells to get to the tasty morsels inside.
Where do Major Mitchell’s cockatoos live?
The natural habitat of the Major Mitchell’s cockatoo is as breathtaking as the bird itself. They live in the arid and semi-arid regions of Australia from south west Queensland, Central NSW, southern and northern inland Western Australia, to the north west of Victoria.
Research has shown that there are two subspecies of the pink cockatoo: Lophochroa leadbeateri (east of Australia) and Lophochroa mollis (central/western part of Australia). Lophochroa mollis have very little to no yellow in the crest compared to Lophochroa leadbeateri who have a distinct yellow band through the crest.
Are Major Mitchell’s cockatoos endangered?
The Major Mitchell’s cockatoo, including a number of other Australian animals, have been added to the national threatened species list as of 2024. The Lophochroa leabeteri had been listed as critically endangered and vulnerable in Victoria and NSW respectively.
A loss of habitat has been the main threat to these beautiful birds but predators such as eagles, falcons, foxes, and feral cats have also contributed to their dwindling numbers.
Major Mitchell’s cockatoos are sometimes captured for the illegal pet trade. While they make wonderful companions for those who are willing to provide the care and attention they need, capturing them from the wild is both illegal and harmful to the species. You can care for Australian Wildlife by reporting any illegal trade to the DCCEEW.
Fortunately, there are conservation efforts underway to protect these magnificent birds. National parks and reserves provide safe havens where Major Mitchell’s cockatoos can live and breed without the threat of habitat destruction. Queensland University has been using eco acoustic technology to gather information to assist in making informed conservation decisions. While Parks Victoria have a number of programs to increase the survival rates of Major Mitchell’s cockatoos, including the carving of deep hollows in Slender Cyprus Pine trees (their favourite nesting tree) to provide homes and nesting places.
How long do Major Mitchell’s cockatoos live?
Major Mitchell’s cockatoos generally live around 50-60 years, but in 2016 an 83-year-old Major Mitchell’s named Cookie passed away in Brookfield Zoo, Chicago. Originally from Taronga Zoo, Sydney, he’d lived at Brookfield Zoo since he was one year old.
What do you think?
As far as I’m concerned, the verdict is in; Major Mitchell’s cockatoos are the sweetest. It’s a tough choice though. Growing up my nanna had a pet galah and my parents had a sulphur-crested cockatoo (this was back in the old days when people were less aware of environmental concerns). Both these birds were intelligent and lively animals who were loved dearly. But I also fell in love with the Palm Cockatoo when I wrote a blog on them Read Here – I just love them all.
I suspect cockatoos are an all-round favourite for many people and we should celebrate them for their unique characters and outstanding beauty, as we work towards a better and safer future for them all.
Other names:
Pink cockatoo, Leadbeater’s Cockatoo, Desert Cockatoo, Cocklerina, Wee Juggler – from the indigenous name ‘Wijula’.
Further reading on Australian animals:
Is the Kangaroo Australia’s Version of Bigfoot?