The black palm cockatoo is native to Australia, particularly the very tip of northern Queensland. Populations also exist in New Guinea and Indonesia. Though their population is declining due to habitat loss as well as sport and trade hunting, they are not considered endangered or even vulnerable.

These birds generally inhabit the rainforest and woodlands and nest in hollow trees. A pair will mate for life, and it’s common to find them in small groups of six or fewer birds.

Though there is some appeal to these birds in the exotic pet trade, they are not as common as other cockatoos. Generally, they’re seen most often in zoos, professional aviaries, and bird shows and much of this is due to their temperament and care requirements.

This bird’s long lifespan serves the breed well because it usually lays one egg every two years or so, one of the lowest reproduction rates among parrots.

The black palm cockatoo can be a good pet, but don’t expect it to be as affectionate as many other parrots. They require a lot of attention to tame though they are very intelligent and social birds if the owner is consistent and can provide the time and attention needed. Black palms tend to do well in aviaries with other cockatoos as well.

This is one of the very few bird species that will use tools. In their natural habitats, male birds will use a large stick to “drum” against a hollow tree before choosing where to build a nest. It’s said that it can be heard 100 yards away and the stick is broken before becoming part of the new nest. This behavior still puzzles many scientists who study birds.

While there’s no obvious explanation, some people believe the females listen to the drumming when deciding if it’s a suitable nesting spot. Another theory revolves around the male marking his territory.

The black palm cockatoo is a very dark, smoky gray color that appears blacker on some birds than others. The same color appears on their very long crest, as well as their feet and legs.

This otherwise single-colored bird has bright red patches of bare skin on their cheeks, which change colors when the bird gets excited. It is as striking as the dark grayish-black beak, giving it a very distinct profile up close.

Somewhat intimidating, their beak is only eclipsed in size by the hyacinth macaw within the parrot family. The size, shape, and the fact that the upper and lower mandibles don’t meet make it perfect for cracking open the toughest nuts.

A monomorphic species, there is no visual way to tell males from females. If you’re curious about your bird’s sex, DNA sexing is necessary.

A black palm cockatoo is not a good option for bird owners who live in apartments or condominiums. They possess very distinct, extremely loud calls, and you (and your neighbors) need to be able to tolerate loud noises in order to live with one.

Their natural vocalizations have a human-like sound, including their signature “hellow.” This does suit them well for learning how to really say words, though. They’re considered one of the best talking cockatoos.

Black palm cockatoos should not be left alone for more than eight hours a day, so they’re not a good choice if you have a normal work schedule or other obligations. They also require a large cage and plenty of space to play. If you cannot accommodate such a large aviary, it’s best to consider one of the smaller cockatoo species.