Carnaby’s are only found in south-western Western Australia. They are most found on the coastal plains during the non-breeding season, and in the Wheatbelt during the breeding season.

They have been lost from about a third of their breeding range.

Habitat

They are found in Eucalypt forests dominated by Jarrah, Marri and Karri species, shrublands dominated by Hakea, Banksia and Grevillea species, Kwongan heath, and pine plantations.

During the breeding season, they are only found in Eucalypt woodlands in the Wheatbelt. They need old trees, with large hollows, often Salmon Gum or Wandoo, that are nearby foraging habitat.

Where they sleep

Carnaby’s roost in tall native trees like large Eucalypts or introduced trees like pine trees, in or nearby food and water sources.

Where they eat

They forage for food in Banksia woodlands and heath, Marri forest, Kwongan shrublands, pine plantations, canola crop fields and nut orchards.

What Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos look like

Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo are large, black cockatoos that look similar to Baudin’s Black-Cockatoos. They have a very large bill that is shorter than Baudin’s Black-Cockatoos. They have a black body with thin white edges on the feathers, white patches on the cheeks and broad white panels on the tail.

Males have a pink eye ring, a black bill and dark grey legs and feet. Females have a grey eye ring and lighter coloured bills, legs and feet.

What Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos sound like

Black cockatoo calls can be used to identify which species is in the area. Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo make a loud, “wy-lah” call.

What Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos eat

They mostly eat seed and nectar of native Eucalypt, Hakea, Banksia and Grevillea species. They will also eat seeds from pine cones, seeds and flowers from canola, and nuts from orchards.

Like other black cockatoos, Carmany’s Black-Cockatoo leave behind chewed Marri nuts on the ground. The chew marks on the nuts can be used to identify which black cockatoo species was feeding on the Marri.