FEATURE


What is the average clutch size of nesting Major Mitchells? Average: 2.5 some raise 2, most raise 3 and 4 is not unusual.


How far do Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos fly from their nesting site in the off season? Up to 300 kilometres.


How long do the baby birds stay with the parents after leaving the nest? Approximately six weeks then they join into a small flock situation.


How long before young birds can breed themselves? Three years.


If Major Mitchells are such a good and reliable breeder in the wild, why then isn’t the overall population increasing? Good question. • First and foremost it is predators. • Secondly it is bad fire management. • Thirdly it is land clearing. • Fourthly it is competition from other tree hollow nesting species that take over nests of Major Mitchells.


BIRD SCENE 41


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