Get involved -Taylors Creek Landcare Glossy Black Cockatoo Project
The Glossy Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) is listed as vulnerable in NSW and the ACT. A number of factors have contributed to its vulnerability, including historical land clearing, ongoing loss of hollow-bearing trees, urbanisation and over-grazing. Its vulnerability is also related to its specialist feeding habits: it feeds exclusively on Allocasuarina (she-oak) species, which are particularly susceptible to browsing and lack of recruitment from inappropriate grazing.
As part of the Kosciuszko to Coast Program, (K2C) this project aims to increase the area of and connectivity between Glossy Black Cockatoo foraging habitat, by increasing the availability of Drooping She-oak (Allocasuarina verticillata) the main source of food for Glossy Black-Cockatoo in the region. The planting of some nest-tree species and associated shrubs amongst the she-oaks will enhance the habitat value for other threatened birds. Trees have already been planted in appropriate habitat in the K2C region between Queanbeyan and Cooma, complementing plantings that have been carried out in the ACT.
The next stage of the project is concentrating on our Landcare area to the east of Lake George. Talks have begun with interested land-holders and Ben Hanrahan, the organizer, hopes to begin on-ground work in the near future.
This project has been assisted by the New South Wales Government through its Environmental Trust and is part of the Great Eastern Ranges initiative.
GLOSSY BLACK-COCKATOO IDENTIFICATION (GETTING IT RIGHT)
Unlike other cockatoos, Glossy Blacks are generally secretive and are not raucous - they call little and then in subdued notes. When seen, however, they are still commonly mistaken for other species, notably the Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo (C. funereus). In appearance, Glossy Blacks are most readily distinguished by their broad, bulbous bill; dull, brownish tinge on the head and breast (despite the name!); and low, rounded crest, whereas Yellow-tails are bigger, ‘blacker’ birds, with distinctive, large yellow panels in a long tail. Glossy Blacks are also usually seen in pairs or small groups (as opposed to Yellow-tails, which often occur in large flocks) and their call (distant, drawn-out “tarr-red”) is softer and more feeble than Yellowtails (weird, far-carrying squeal - “wee-lar”).
Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of Glossy Blacks is that they feed almost exclusively on the seeds of the cones of she-oaks via a flexible wrist and a tough, specially shaped beak.
The Glossy Black-Cockatoo is the smallest of the black-cockatoos and also the least ‘black’. Both males and females have a browner tone to the head. Adult males have the solid bright red panels in the tail feathers while in females these panels range from red to light orange/yellow with horizontal black barring. Females have irregular patches of yellow feathers on the head and neck. These can be quite extensive in some individuals while others have only one or two small patches. Both males and females also have a large bulbous bill.
FEEDING and BREEDING
Glossy Blacks are one of the friendliest birds and are not easily disturbed when feeding. They will sit quietly and the only noise you will hear is the soft sound of cracking cones, people often do not even realise they are there.
They will return to the same food tree time and time again, often ignoring nearby trees that are full of cones, but these patterns of feeding are poorly understood. They can fly more than 10km to feeding areas.
Breeding occurs every two years with a single egg being laid in late January to early June with a longer nestling period than any other cockatoos (up to 90 days). The young are dependent on the parents for at least 12 months.
Large hollow bearing trees are needed for breeding, emphazising the need to retain remnant vegetation in these areas just as much as food trees. Glossy Black Cockatoo are known to have a life span that can exceed 30 years.
USES OF SHE-OAKS in a RURAL LANDSCAPE
Windbreak/shadeline, pollen, habitat/wildlife, rehabilitation, education, gully erosion control, shelter tree, weed control.
EDUCATION, BACKYARDS and BIRD-WATCHING
She-oaks are a great native, bird attracting plant for your backyard or property. They have woody, barrel-shaped cones containing winged seeds, which are enjoyed by not only Glossy Black-Cockatoos but also Red-browed Finches. She-oaks are favoured as nesting trees by Willie Wagtails, Pee Wees and Butchers. With so many birds enjoying she-oaks, it is a great opportunity for bird watching.
THE TIMBER
She-oak is a popular timber among wood turners as the timber has a rich texture and is hard wood. Also She-oak burns very hot leaving very little ash and as a result is regarded as an excellent firewood. She-oak can be used for timber and firewood in a sustainable manner leaving old growth for nesting and the protection of the identified feed trees. It is important to observe Glossy Black-Cockatoo behaviour so you can leave their main feed trees and replant she-oaks that you remove.
EROSION CONTROL
They are also often used to stabilise soils in erosion prone areas, or on sand dunes because of its ability to grow and develop extensive root systems in very poor or sandy soils, and to completely cover the ground with their “needles”.
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
The Glossy Black-Cockatoo Project is calling on land-holders in the K2C region to record sightings of this vulnerable bird and also known locations of the Drooping She-oak. To do this go to the following K2C Atlas site: http://k2c-birds.ala.org.au/bdrs-core/portal/13/fieldguide/groups.htm and register, then you can use the Google Maps to record what you have seen. At this site there is a field guide to help you appreciate (and identify) our unique and colourful species. As an alternative, please call me, Joan Limon, on 4844 6250.
