One of Australia’s most recognizable and comical cockatoos, known for its snow-white plumage, splashes of soft pink, and its extra-long, curved beak that looks almost oversized for its face. This long bill isn’t just for show—it’s perfectly designed for digging into the ground in search of roots, bulbs, and seeds, especially its favorite food: onion grass corms. With their big, expressive eyes and clown-like markings, Long-billed corellas often look like they’re smiling, adding to their playful personality.

While many cockatoos spend their time foraging in trees, these birds are often seen on the ground in large, noisy flocks, using their bills like little shovels to dig up food. Watching a flock at work can be entertaining—they waddle about, chatter noisily, and leave behind small holes where they’ve been foraging. Their powerful beaks can crack through tough seeds and roots, giving them an advantage in environments where other food might be scarce.

Social by nature, Long-billed corellas form large flocks that can number in the hundreds, especially outside the breeding season. These groups are energetic, with constant squawking, wing-flapping, and playful interactions. Their calls are loud and piercing, often described as harsh screams, and while they may not be the most melodic birds, their voices carry across open landscapes and farmland. When breeding, they nest in tree hollows, where both parents care for the eggs and chicks. They are known in urban and rural areas for their intelligence and adaptability, sometimes raiding crops or finding creative ways to exploit human environments.

Their long beaks, while useful for digging, can also be challenging in captivity since they love to chew and destroy wood, toys, or anything they can get their beaks on. In the wild, they sometimes engage in playful behavior like hanging upside down from branches or tossing sticks around.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Australia

100,000-500,000

Official estimate

LC

2024