New Zealand Introduced Animals > Major Mitchell Cockatoo

Major Mitchell Cockatoo

Cacatua leadbeateri

INTRODUCED

DISTRIBUTION: The Major Mitchell has a widespread but patchy distribution through much of inland Australia.

HABITAT: It avoids the more arid areas and the more humid coastal areas. It may be locally common, but for the most part it is relatively rare. It is declining in Queensland where changes in land use have had a significant effect on its distribution.

BREEDING: Nests are made in high hollows of eucalypt trees. 2-3 white eggs are laid, and are incubated by both parents which takes around 25 days. The young come out of the nest at 7-8 weeks, and are fed for another 8 weeks by the parents. Sexual maturity can be reached as early as 3 years.

FOOD: Crops such as wheat and seeds are generally a targeted food source although fruit is also a large part of their diet.

GENERAL: Generally white; the crown feathers have a pink base and the narrow red crest has a central band of yellow and white. The forehead, sides of head, breast and abdomen are salmon pink, which becomes white on the lower abdomen. The iris is dark brown, the feet are grey and the bill is horn-coloured.


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