Figure 11 - Hen major Mitchell’s Cockatoo showing red/ brown eye colour, and yellow in crest feathers


and watch for the white birds. Once you find a nest you must remember where it is so you can return and collar the tree, provided the landowner agrees.


How do we get this message across to landowners whose properties are the habitat of Major Mitchell’s? Any coverage by local newspapers and other media is good value. Let them know how important this issue is. Take pictures of any tree protection you are doing and give talks at school meetings.


What about Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo nest trees in national parks? Do the managers protect breeding trees? Most state national parks have their


20 BIRD SCENE


own management strategy. There is evidence that some parks are constructing artificial nest sites at great expense. Whether these additional nests will attract Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos is yet to be clarified. At this time I do not know of any tree that hosts the nest of Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo being protected by way of collars, either tin or plastic in national parks – but it works!


How do you tell the difference between the Cock and Hen Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos? Both birds are the same size: Cock – has black eye and not as much yellow in the comb (feather crest) as the hen.


Hen – has pink/brown eye and more


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