Re: Red-tailed Black Cockatoos

["rcj" <>]

Replies to Michael Atzeni's email regarding Red-tailed Black Cockatoos in
South-east Queensland have been enlightening, particularly with regard to
food source.

Two recent reports have confirmed the use of White Cedar (melia azedarach)
by these birds. Investigating a sighting of 23 cockatoos with red tails at
Mooloolah in May, I was too late to positively identify them (being ever
careful about the confusion with Glossy Blacks). However, the feeding tree
was shown to me, and it was a White Cedar.

Yesterday morning I received a call from Linda Cross, an experienced
birder,
whose mother told her she had some cockies in a tree in her yard at
Caboolture. Linda went round with a camera and photographed 7 RTBC's. They
were feeding in a White Cedar from 8am to 11am at low height. The females
could be readily identified.

Regards

Bob James