A spectacular white cockatoo from southeastern Australia is the Long-billed Corella (Cacatua tenuirostris). The long, narrow beak of this bird is ideal for digging up roots and tubers, its main meal. The Long-billed Corella’s white plumage is offset by red marks around its eyes and a splash of crimson on its chest.
These sociable birds live in big groups in open woodlands, meadows, and farmlands with plenty of food. They are lively, intelligent, and famed for their loud, noisy calls.
Long-billed Corellas are strong fliers that can fly far for food and water. They eat seeds, grains, and fruits but are skilled at extracting underground plant material with their long bills.
Although abundant in some locations, Long-billed Corellas can be a nuisance to farmers because they eat crops. However, their intellect and ability to mimic human speech make them popular in aviculture.