Zanda

A small but very special group of black cockatoos native to Australia, famous for their dark plumage, white cheek patches, and striking tail markings. Unlike the bright pink galahs or the sulphur-crested cockatoos that are often loud and flamboyant, Zanda cockatoos carry themselves with a quieter and more dignified presence. These large, powerful parrots rely heavily on eucalyptus and other native trees for food, nesting, and shelter. Their deep, rolling calls echo through Australian forests, making them one of the most iconic voices of the landscape.

What sets Zanda apart from other black cockatoos is their plumage patterns and their ecological specializations. Baudin’s and Carnaby’s are almost completely restricted to the forests of southwestern Australia, where they depend on specific native plants, while the yellow-tailed black cockatoo is a more versatile traveler, roaming through forests, woodlands, and even urban edges. Their bills also reflect their diets: Baudin’s has a long, tweezer-like bill, Carnaby’s has a shorter, stronger one, and the yellow-tailed uses its sturdy beak to rip into wood for grubs as well as to crush seeds.

There are also plenty of fun and quirky facts about the genus Zanda. These cockatoos are incredibly long-lived, with lifespans of 40–60 years, and they form lifelong pair bonds, meaning they mate for life. Their calls are often described as haunting cries, especially the yellow-tailed drawn-out wail, which is sometimes said to sound like the forest sighing. They are also important cultural symbols in Australia, with appearances in Indigenous stories, folklore, and even local town emblems. Despite their size, they can be surprisingly gentle, carefully using their massive beaks to handle seeds and fruit with precision. Unfortunately, all three species face threats from habitat loss, particularly the Baudin’s and Carnaby’s cockatoos, which are endangered due to clearing of their feeding and nesting trees.