Sulphur-crested Cockatoos colouration

HI Philip and all, 

I'm almost 100% positive that the colouration
is not dirt, stain or any other additive that may have come into contact
with the cockatoo while nesting.

I have photo documented the bird in
question quite comprehensively, with underwing shots, and a "ruffled
feather" shot were you can see 'under' the feathers. The pink colouration
is visible all over the bird, 

I do think  that the colouration
may have something to do with nesting though, since the colouration would
definently be better  camoflage for nest holes.

I'm really struggling to find any information
about this, and would appreciate any info from any list members.

So far, Duncan Fraser has commented
that someone in Gippsland, Vic has reported such as bird, and Annabel Ashworth
also reported a friend seeing one in Tamworth, NSW .


What are the options:

1. \ Diet influenced colouration.
2. \ Unknown Age/Sex plumage
3.\ Hybrid bird (possibly  LB Corella)
4.\ General Freak of Nature.
5.\ New Species.  
  
Can anyone provide further suggestions?

Regards, 

Peter

"Philip A. Veerman" <>
Sent by:

28/08/2003 06:38 PM

To	<>, <>
cc
Subject	[BIRDING-AUS] Sulphur-crested Cockatoos colouration

I would suggest that the pinkish colouration on some Sulphur-crested
Cockatoos signifies staining from wood pulp from eucalypt wood, obtained
whilst scratching around or excavating a nest hollow.
 
Philip
-----Original Message-----
From: m("callista.com.au","Peter.Fuller");>
<m("callista.com.au","Peter.Fuller");>>
To: m("vicnet.net.au","birding-aus");">
<m("vicnet.net.au","birding-aus");">>
Date: Wednesday, 27 August 2003 17:47
Subject: [BIRDING-AUS] Sulfur Crested Cockatoo Colouration

Is anyone able to tell me what the pinkish colouration on some Sulfur Crested Cockatoos signify's?

The cockatoo i noticed it on today, was attending a nest site which leads me to think that its breeding plumage??? The pink colouration extended all over its body and head, and its faint yellow ear patch was much more defined than usual, almost as bright as its crest.

Are these markings based on sex, age, or part of breeding pluamge?

Peter