The glossy black cockatoo is a cockatoo species from the eastern part of Australia. It is most related to the red-tailed black cockatoo and a bit smaller. The Latin name of the glossy black cockatoo is Calyptorhynchus lathami.
Males and females of this species look different from each other (sexually dimorphic). Males of this species are black with a brown head and red patches on its tail. Females are dull dark brown with yellow specks and stripes on her tail and neck. Both sexes have a bone colored bill.
There are three subspecies of the Glossy Black Cockatoo. These subspecies have small differences in appearance and live in different parts of Australia. The differences are minimal and the subspecies can interbreed. In captivity this happens, in nature their different habitats and location prevent this.
Speech and Sounds
We all know that cockatoos have a worldwide reputation for their noise levels and their chatty, raucous personality. But that’s one aspect in which the black Cockatoos stand apart. True to their much more calmer personality, their noise levels are equally low and tolerable. The natural calls of a Glossy Black Cockatoo consist of a variety of squawks, but they most often simply murmur to themselves in mimicry of conversation. This is often a silly and fun pastime, especially during playtime. When kept in pairs, in aviaries, or simply when they lack attention, their loud natural calls might be more repetitive.
Colors
The simplicity of their appearance is in a sense what gives them their peculiar charm. Birds with such dark looks have an air of elegance and mystery to them, which always makes highly sought after. This all-black parrot has a few contrasting details which make them easily recognized. The males have a slightly lighter black head, and their tail feathers have a mix of red and black patches. The females are lighter black and have yellow specks on the neck and tail. This difference between the sexes will make it easy to know how to name your pet and provide better care.
A hand-raised Glossy Black Cockatoo will be much friendlier and affectionate than any other black Cockatoo breed.
Care and Feeding
In the wild, these cockatoos thrive on a varied diet. But the biggest part of it is the unique Casuarina trees and their peculiar cone fruits. Their large and robust beaks are specially adapted to break things apart. They also eat wood-boring grubs and fruit. If possible, include Casuarina seeds in their diet, but you can also base it on nuts, certain seeds, and fruits. You can also provide a whole range of special, sterilized bird toys to help them exercise the very strong and large beak. Chewed toys are better than chewed furniture!