Long-billed Corella (Cacatua tenuirostris)

Also known as the Slender-billed Corella, is a medium species of white cockatoo native to Australia. The species is named for the elongated upper mandible which is used to pry open seeds and did for roots. In some portions of Australia, they are considered a pest species that damages grain crops.

Scientific classification: Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Aves, Order Psittaciformes, Family: Cacatuidae, Genus: Cacatua, Species: Cacatua tenuirostris

Other Names: Slender-billed Corella, Eastern Long-billed Corella, Slender-billed Cockatoo

Range: Originally western South Australia from Adelaide east through Victoria and into central New South Wales south to coast and Melbourne, but range has expanded to include much of the eastern coast of Australia. Has also been introduced to Tasmania; feral populations are found around Perth in western Australia.

Subspecies: None

Habitat: The Long-billed Corella is highly adaptable and found in a variety of habitats from woodlands, agricultural areas, savannas, suburban and urban parklands.

Status in Wild: While the natural range isn't very broad, the Long-billed Corella is adapting well to human encroachment and is listed as Least Concern by IUCN. The species trend is increasing and expanding its range.

Aviculture: They are quite popular pets in Australia, but still seem relatively rare in North America. Like all cockatoos, the Long-billed Corella can be very loud and demanding. Cockatoos are not recommended for beginning bird keepers.

Interesting Facts: Can form very large flocks in the wild, sometimes nearly a 1000 or more, but typically forage in groups of 20-50 birds. Both male and female share duties in incubating the eggs. The genus name Cacatua is New Latin from the Malay word kakatua for "big parrot". The species name tenuirostris is Latin for "slender bill".

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External Links



• Long-billed Corella - BirdLife Australia
• Long-billed Corella - BirdLife International Factsheet
• Long-billed Corella - eBird
• Long-billed Corella - World Parrot Trust

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