Probosciger

One of the most spectacular and unusual parrots in the world, instantly recognizable by its enormous size, smoky-black plumage, and dramatic crest of feathers that fan out like a punk-rock headdress. Found in the rainforests and woodlands of northern Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands, it’s one of the largest cockatoos, with a wingspan reaching up to a meter. But what really sets it apart is its huge, powerful beak—shaped like a massive nutcracker—that it uses to crack the toughest nuts and seeds, making short work of food that other parrots can’t touch. Its bare red facial patch, which can flush brighter depending on mood or excitement, adds another dramatic touch, giving the bird a truly prehistoric, almost dinosaur-like appearance.

What makes the Palm cockatoo truly extraordinary, however, is its unique drumming behavior. Males have been observed breaking off sticks and using them as tools to drum rhythmically on hollow trees. This is thought to be part of a courtship display, with each male having his own drumming “style,” almost like playing a personal song. Along with drumming, males perform elaborate displays, fanning their crests, wing-flapping, and calling out with whistles and growls that sound very different from the screeches of other cockatoos.

Because of its huge beak and gothic look, it has been nicknamed the “rockstar of the bird world.” Its tool-using drumming behavior has led some to jokingly call it the world’s only avian drummer—complete with a stick in its claw. The red patch on its face can act almost like a mood ring, changing shade when the bird is excited, stressed, or curious. In flight, its massive wings make deep, slow beats that seem to echo through the forest, making its presence unforgettable.