FEATURE
CONSERVATION OF THE MAJOR MITCHELL’S COCKATOO IN NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA
ARTICLE BY: DAVID COOMBES
NESTING OF MAJOR MITCHELL’S COCKATOOS IN THE WILD
Do Major Mitchell’s cockatoos mate for life? Yes they do and can nest together for up to 50 years.
If one bird dies or gets killed does the remaining bird seek out a new mate? Yes
What type of tree do Major Mitchell’s nest in? Dry gum trees and Cypress Pine that is alive or dry.
What time of year to Major Mitchell’s go to nest? Late August to early September.
Do they pick out a special tree? Yes they do: usually on a sand ridge or in open country away from other trees. They like to be able to see what is going on around them. It’s a precautionary thing so that they can identify any predators including mankind.
Do Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos nest in big trees? Not really. Some may pick out a dry Cypress Pine tree that has no top or a broken limb that has left a hollow. Some trees are small and nests that are 5 metres from the ground are common.
Do Major Mitchell’s like a special entrance to their nests? Yes they do. Major Mitchell’s like an entrance to their nest that is shaped like an upturned canoe.
* Note – it is important to know that when looking for nests.
Do Major Mitchell’s take long to prepare their nesting site? No they don’t. Both birds go into the nest chamber and pare off small chips of wood to form a soft base to lay their clutch of eggs. This usually takes only a few days to prepare.
They like to be able to see what is going on around them. It’s a precautionary thing so that they can identify any predators including mankind.
BIRD SCENE 15
PART TWO
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