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;Probosciger aterrimus | ;Probosciger aterrimus | ||
| − | [[Image:Palm_Cockatoo.jpg|thumb| | + | [[Image:Palm_Cockatoo.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Photo by Mehd Halaouate]] |
==Identification== | ==Identification== | ||
| − | Palm Cockatoo | + | It measures around 55-60 cm in length and weighs between 500-1,000 g. It is a distinctive bird with a large crest and has one of the largest bills of any parrots (only the Hyacinth Macaw's is larger). The bill is unusual as the lower and upper mandibles do not meet for much of its length, allowing the tongue to hold a nut against the top mandible while the lower mandible works to open it. The Palm Cockatoo also has a distinctive red gape that changes colour when the bird is alarmed or excited. |
| + | |||
A 51-64 cm big all black cockatoo with huge bill and a red facial skin that changes following the mood of the bird, when the cockatoo is nervous or scared the red facial skin becomes darker. They are 3 different geographical variations: | A 51-64 cm big all black cockatoo with huge bill and a red facial skin that changes following the mood of the bird, when the cockatoo is nervous or scared the red facial skin becomes darker. They are 3 different geographical variations: | ||
1- Probosciger Aterrimus Aterrimus | 1- Probosciger Aterrimus Aterrimus | ||
2- Probosciger A. Goliath | 2- Probosciger A. Goliath | ||
3- Probosciger A. Stenolophus. ( the one photographed in Yapen island in the Geelvink bay) | 3- Probosciger A. Stenolophus. ( the one photographed in Yapen island in the Geelvink bay) | ||
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ==Distribution== | |
| + | The Palm Cockatoo is distributed in rainforests and woodlands of New Guinea and northern Queensland, Australia. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Taxonomy== | ||
| + | The Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus), also known as the Goliath Aratoo, is a large black parrot of the cockatoo family and this species is unique in its kind. It is the only member in subfamily Microglossinae and monotypic genus Probosciger. Its unique position within the cockatoo family has been confirmed by molecular studies (Brown & Toft, 1999, Astuti, 2004?). | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Habitat== | ||
| + | ==Behaviour== | ||
| + | The Palm Cockatoo makes four different kinds of vocalisations. It has a unique display where the bird drums a large branch against a dead bough or tree, creating a loud noise that can be heard up to 100 m away. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Normally during October, November and December, the magnificent Palm Cockatoos lay only one egg in their nests built in the deep hollows of trees. This same nest may be used by the cockatoo pair year after year, with some annual repairs and additions of splintered twigs, of course. Both parents share the incubation of their single egg which normally will hatch after 30 days. Mom and Dad will care for the young for over 100 days before youngster fledges. The young Palms can be identified by their paler beak tips and paler faces. | ||
| + | |||
| + | These birds do not form large flocks, preferring to stay in pairs or very small groups. They fly into the trees and feed on fruit, nuts, berries, as well as seeds and buds of leaves. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Noisy birds of the forest, Palm Cockatoos are also excellent mimics, making noises of other animals as well as sounds of nature. They make a harsh screeching call when they feel danger is near. Shortly before sunrise, Palms will begin to call to each other in the decreasing darkness. They also make a series of whistles | ||
| + | |||
==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
{{GSearch|Probosciger+aterrimus}} | {{GSearch|Probosciger+aterrimus}} | ||
*[http://www.aviceda.org/abid/birdimages.php?action=birdspecies&fid=19&bid=137 View more images of this species on the ABID] | *[http://www.aviceda.org/abid/birdimages.php?action=birdspecies&fid=19&bid=137 View more images of this species on the ABID] | ||
[[Category:Birds]] | [[Category:Birds]] | ||
Revision as of 14:08, 17 July 2007
- Probosciger aterrimus
Identification
It measures around 55-60 cm in length and weighs between 500-1,000 g. It is a distinctive bird with a large crest and has one of the largest bills of any parrots (only the Hyacinth Macaw's is larger). The bill is unusual as the lower and upper mandibles do not meet for much of its length, allowing the tongue to hold a nut against the top mandible while the lower mandible works to open it. The Palm Cockatoo also has a distinctive red gape that changes colour when the bird is alarmed or excited.
A 51-64 cm big all black cockatoo with huge bill and a red facial skin that changes following the mood of the bird, when the cockatoo is nervous or scared the red facial skin becomes darker. They are 3 different geographical variations: 1- Probosciger Aterrimus Aterrimus 2- Probosciger A. Goliath 3- Probosciger A. Stenolophus. ( the one photographed in Yapen island in the Geelvink bay)
Distribution
The Palm Cockatoo is distributed in rainforests and woodlands of New Guinea and northern Queensland, Australia.
Taxonomy
The Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus), also known as the Goliath Aratoo, is a large black parrot of the cockatoo family and this species is unique in its kind. It is the only member in subfamily Microglossinae and monotypic genus Probosciger. Its unique position within the cockatoo family has been confirmed by molecular studies (Brown & Toft, 1999, Astuti, 2004?).
Habitat
Behaviour
The Palm Cockatoo makes four different kinds of vocalisations. It has a unique display where the bird drums a large branch against a dead bough or tree, creating a loud noise that can be heard up to 100 m away.
Normally during October, November and December, the magnificent Palm Cockatoos lay only one egg in their nests built in the deep hollows of trees. This same nest may be used by the cockatoo pair year after year, with some annual repairs and additions of splintered twigs, of course. Both parents share the incubation of their single egg which normally will hatch after 30 days. Mom and Dad will care for the young for over 100 days before youngster fledges. The young Palms can be identified by their paler beak tips and paler faces.
These birds do not form large flocks, preferring to stay in pairs or very small groups. They fly into the trees and feed on fruit, nuts, berries, as well as seeds and buds of leaves.
Noisy birds of the forest, Palm Cockatoos are also excellent mimics, making noises of other animals as well as sounds of nature. They make a harsh screeching call when they feel danger is near. Shortly before sunrise, Palms will begin to call to each other in the decreasing darkness. They also make a series of whistles
