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Western Corella  (Cacatua pastinator)

Also Known As: Corella, Western Long-billed Corella or Cockatoo, Dampier's Cockatoo, Muir's Corella (C.p. pastinator), White Cockatoo (Western Australia)
 
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Western Corella landing

Credit: © Cheryl Moore
 
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Did You Know?
Birds from the north favour double-gee (Emex australis), a weed pest; ironically this species is itself considered a pest.

Status in the Wild
World Population:
Estimated at 3,000

Range:
C.p. pastinator: Deep south of SW Australia, mostly around Lake Muir.
C.p. derbyi: Wheatbelt of SW Australia from Geraldton and Mullewa south to east of Perth.


Habitat:
Occurs in open forest , eucalyptus woodland along rivers and farmland with large trees and watering holes. Also have been seen in mulga and mallee areas and around towns and gardens.

Threat Summary:
In the past threats have been shooting and poisoning by farmers, this is now prohibited. Clearance for agriculture has reduced available breeding sites. Also, low reproductive rate may have an effect. However, the range of this species has expanded partly due to agriculture.

IUCN Rating:
Least concern

Wild Diet:
Easts corms, roots, seeds and some agricultural crops.

CITES Rating:
Appendix II

Ecology:
May be found feeding with Galahs. Outside the breeding season large flocks gather in feeding and watering areas. Reach breeding age at 3 to 5 years.

Clutch and Egg Size:
3 to 5 ovate eggs, 33.0 x 25.0mm (1.3 x 1 in).

Breeding Season:
In northern areas breeding begins in August, with fledging by November.

Links to Other Project(s):
http://www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/action/birds2000/pubs/muirs-corella.pdf

http://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/MU9920019.htmhttp://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/WR9910091.htm

More Info Sites:
http://home.vicnet.net.au/~avicons/threatenedspecies.html