University of New England ecology student Shannon Carne is conducting research into the feeding habits of the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo in the Armidale region. And she needs the local population’s help!
Shannon, who is completing a Graduate Diploma of Ecology at UNE’s School of Environmental and Rural Science, is encouraging locals to complete a short online survey about sightings of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos.
Shannon says the information gained from survey participants will be vital to further understanding of population numbers of the iconic Australian bird.
“The Yellow-tailed black-cockatoo is listed as a vulnerable species in South Australia, with populations considered to be critically endangered on the Eyre Peninsular,” Shannon said.
“There is no current concern over their status in NSW, but it is important to broaden our knowledge and understanding of the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo to ensure population numbers do not decline.”
Shannon’s research aims to map local populations of the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, assess key foraging flora species and food types in the region, assess feeding behaviours in the region, and identify whether foraging resources and behaviours vary between sub-populations across the Armidale Dumaresq Local Government area.
The survey will be available online from 3 November at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/cockatoo
The Survey
- Survey open 3rd – 23rd November 2014
- The survey questions are aimed at residents living in the Armidale Dumaresq Local Government Area. The survey consists of short answer or multiple choice questions and should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete. The survey questions are based on resident’s observations of YTBC on their property.
- Survey and Competition link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/cockatoo
- Complete the survey to enter the draw to WIN an iPad mini
- Important that both residence who have observed YTBC on their property and those who have not participate in the survey
- Public survey responses will be used in conjunction with field observation research to identify the distribution, abundance and foraging behaviors of YTBC in the Armidale Dumaresq Local Government Area.
This survey has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee, University of New England (Approval No HE14-290. Valid 3/11/2014—3/11/12015)
Extra notes
Significant environmental change resulting in the loss of foraging and nesting habitat is a major threat to the population stability of YTBC. Additionally behavioural traits such as slow reproduction rates (one chick raised per breeding pair, and sexual maturity at 2-4 years of age), habitual foraging and nesting behaviours, time invested in caring for young (ca 1year) and the strong bond between breeding pairs has the potential to put this species at a disadvantage during times of major environmental change. (Saunders, 1982, Way and van Weenan 2008,White et al 2014). Competition for suitable nest sites with other cockatoos or large birds, feral bees (Apis mellifera) and brush-tail possums may affect the cockatoos ability to breed thus impacting on population growth even if foraging resources are adequate (Way and van Weenen 2008).Finally yellow-tailed black cockatoos are at risk of predation by large birds of prey such as Wedge-tailed eagles which are capable of taking birds during flight, ,possums and rats which have been reported to feed on cockatoos eggs as well as foxes and cats. Yellow-tailed black-cockatoos are particularly vulnerable to the latter two while foraging close to the ground or while drinking at waterholes and dams (Way and van Weenen 2008).
Plantations, particularly introduced Pinus species, have boosted numbers and in some areas the YTBC are dependent on the plantations, feeding on seeds and the larvae of wood-boring insects.
I live out at Kelly’s Plains south of Armidale where we have regular visits from black cockatoos – yellow tailed black cockatoos.
I am happy to participate in your research.
Fran
Thanks Fran – make sure you go to the link from the 3rd of November onwards!
We have an itinerant population of about 30-50 YTBC rising in the pine trees on our property. We have a small dense pine forest (Pinus radiate) of about 1 ha that the population frequents. They also decimate a Banksia near the house (within 10 m of house). Other pine trees around the boundary are also attached by the birds, tearing apart the pine cones and leaving the residue on the ground. The torn-apart pine cone gives an indication of the power in their beaks. The birds also water from a bird-bath in our front lawn.
We live close to University.
Thanks Bob. Please access the survey from 3 November at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/cockatoo
Correction – I now see the survey link. Delete the prior message please
Thanks, Paul. I’ve made the survey link more prominent on the article – I see now it was not very clear. Regards, Amy
20 to 25 flying around earlier this morning South end of Bishop Cres, these few now in gum next to house just resting & calling out right now
Thanks Nigel. Please include your findings in the survey at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/cockatoo
Today 18th Nov at 65 Gentles Road off Kelly’s Plains Road Armidale 35-40 yellow tail black cockies in the trees and drinking at the stock trough
Thanks Mike. Please include your findings in the survey at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/cockatoo
I have observed a cockatoo once in my garden at 39 Chestnut Avenue, North Armidale, since the survey began. He sat at the top of a Lleylandii pine and proceeded to chew the tips of the branches. It was 8.50am on 3/11/14 and there was a flock of them screeching in the paddock opposite. I have seen them before but not often and haven’t seen them since.
Thanks Ruth. Please include your findings in the survey at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/cockatoo
We have a collection of pine trees around our property in south Armidale and many cockatoos can be found in these at times. The magpies give the cockatoos some worry and it is not unusual to see one chasing away the much bigger bird. Dont know how we can help with your research, but please contact us if we can help.
Thanks Adrienne. Please include your findings in the survey at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/cockatoo