However, we found that the genetic differences between the two pink cockatoo subspecies were relatively minor. When gene flow is obstructed, genetic differences accumulate in the isolated groups, which can lead to the formation of different subspecies, and even species. The Eyrean Barrier has likely limited the movement of birds between the two areas, leading to reduced gene flow. This is seen in genetic differences between birds to the east and to the west/north of the ‘Eyrean Barrier’ region, which comprises the Flinders Ranges and Lake Eyre Basin. These genetic data support the presence of two pink cockatoo subspecies, as predicted from their morphology.

We were able to generate genetic data from over 50 pink cockatoo specimens held in museum collections throughout Australia, including many from the Australian Museum and the Australian National Wildlife Collection, CSIRO, Canberra. To better understand the evolution of the pink cockatoo and help improve its conservation, we undertook a genetic study of the species across its entire range. The beauty and intelligence of this bird makes it sought after as a pet around the world. The species is also poached from the wild for the illegal wildlife trade. Additionally, the pink cockatoo is under threat in some parts of its range, largely due to the removal of hollow-bearing trees, upon which this species relies for nesting.

There has been no genetic research to clarify the two currently recognised subspecies or to determine whether they are evolutionarily distinct. However, in the past, up to four different subspecies have been recognised. These two groups have been recognised as subspecies for over two decades. These two groups differ in their appearance – birds from the eastern group are slightly larger and have a more prominent yellow band in their crest. ‘subspecies’): one in the central/western part of its range ( L. The pink cockatoo is divided into two groups (i.e. Like some other parrot species, they are very long-lived – a captive pink cockatoo from Brookfield Zoo, USA, recently passed away at the age of 82! They eat seeds from a variety of plants, including some exotic agricultural and noxious species, and supplement their diet with insects. CSIRO Publishing, Clayton South, Victoria.Pink cockatoos are found in low densities across the arid and semi-arid inland of Australia, surviving in some of Australia’s harshest habitats. Menkhorst, P., Rogers, D., Clarke, R., Davies, J., Marsack, P., and Franklin, K. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds, Volume 4: Parrots to Dollarbird. The species is listed as Vulnerable in New South Wales. Time to independence: Young birds will continue to be fed by the parents for up to 6 weeks once they have fledged.Clutch size: Usually two white eggs, sometimes three.Breeding season: Typically October through to January.Both sexes also share the incubation duties and care for the young. Both sexes will prepare the nest before laying by chewing on the sides of the hollow and use the wood chips and fragments to line the nest. They nest in a hollow in a trunk, or limb, of large eucalypt trees usually near water. Gang-gang Cockatoos are monogamous and form strong pair-bonds. Communicationīirds will make a contact call that sounds creaky and raspy, a lot like a “rusty hinge”. Eucalypt seeds, insect larvae, berries, nuts, fruits of introduced species Hawthorne and Cotoneaster.

Picture of a cockatoo