Bare-eyed Cockatoo

Overview

The Bare-eyed Cockatoo, also known as the Little Corella, is a widespread Australian cockatoo notable for its short, barely visible crest and the extensive bare, pale skin surrounding its eye, which gives the species its common name. It is often seen in large, noisy flocks across much of inland Australia.

Its plain white plumage with minimal crest development sets it apart from the more showy cockatoo species.

Feather Identification

• Body feathers: White overall, without the extensive yellow, pink, or salmon washes seen in many other cockatoos.
• Forehead feathers: A faint pinkish-red tinge can appear at the base of the forehead and lore feathers, visible in good light.
• Crest feathers: Very short and inconspicuous, lying nearly flat and barely noticeable compared to the tall crests of the Sulphur-crested or Moluccan Cockatoo.
• Facial skin (non-feather marker): Extensive bare bluish-white skin surrounds the eye, more extensive than in most other cockatoo species, giving the bird its common name.
• Compared to similar species: The minimal crest and extensive bare eye-skin readily distinguish it from taller-crested cockatoos like the Sulphur-crested or Goffin's Cockatoo.

Plumage Notes

Sexes look alike in plumage. Juveniles resemble adults but may show a slightly less extensive bare eye-skin patch, which can expand somewhat with age.

Molt occurs gradually through the year, with the white plumage staying largely consistent across seasons.

Habitat & Range

This species is widespread across much of inland and northern Australia, favoring open woodland, grassland, and farmland, typically near water sources. It has adapted well to agricultural and semi-urban environments in parts of its range.

It is generally resident, though large flocks may move considerable distances in response to seasonal food and water availability.

Behavior & Field Notes

Bare-eyed Cockatoos are highly social, often forming large flocks that forage on the ground for seeds, roots, and grain, particularly around farmland. They are known for boisterous group behavior, including large communal roosts.

They nest in tree hollows, sometimes in large colonies within a suitable stand of trees, and are known for loud, harsh screeching calls typical of the genus, often heard from considerable distances as flocks move to feeding or roosting sites.