Length 2 ft (61 cm).
Lifespan Up to 30 years. There is anecdotal evidence of a Palm Cockatoo reaching 80 or 90 years of age in an Australian zoo.
The Palm Cockatoo has a vast and complex vocal repertoire, including many whistles and even a "hello" call that sounds surprisingly human-like. In April and May, the 14-16-week-old cockatoo chicks fledge and leave the nest. Both parents select sticks and 'drum' the chick out by beating on the hollow tree trunk where it hatched. The parents stay with the chick and feed it for a few more weeks.
During winter, the drier season, the young palm cockatoos stay near their parents, but keep a respectful distance, until they eventually become fully independent. At night the cockatoos roost on high branches, and by day they often forage in small groups.
Male cockatoos begin to establish their breeding territories, drumming to announce ownership of their patch. Breeding begins when the heavy rains of late spring begin in November. Males drum to attract females and mating occurs. A female lays a single egg in a hollow tree trunk.
The female incubates the egg for a month, and is fed by the male. Seeds of palm-like pandanus trees are the commonest food, but birds also take seeds, nuts, berries and buds from the crowns of other trees. Both parents feed the downy chick.
Palm Cockatoos only lay one egg every second year
