There are four subspecies of Sulphur-crested Cockatoo according to Arndt’s taxonomy and five mentioned by Forshaw. Two of them are found in Australia, Forshaw describes also one more Australian subspecies Cacatua galerita queenslandica living on Cape York. These parrots should be smaller with broader bills. Otherwise it’s quite easy to recognize Cacatua galerita fitzroyi found in northern Australia from Kimberley division east to Gulf of Carpentaria and Cacatua galerita galerita from southern and eastern coastal forests. The rest Asian subspecies are Cacatua galerita triton found on New Guinea and Cacatua galerita eleonora from Aru Islands.
The main difference between fitzroyi and galerita is in shape of body and length of crest. Fitzroyi has much longer crest and narrower body (especially head).
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For me seeing of Sulphur-crested cockatoos in the wild and Australian cities was fantastic experience. However, for local people these birds might be very annoying. Firstly, they are extremely noisy, you hear their sharp voice even if the birds are flying several kilometres away. Secondly, they are everywhere along the coast. You won’t see them only inland. And what’s probably the worst, whole flocks of these parrots visit crops and destroy whatever they find.
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Winton Wetlands
This swamp is home of thousands and thousands of Sulphur-crested cockatoos and Long and Short-billed corellas. Birds also nest there. Winton Wetlands is a magic place which looks like the end of the world but on the other hand there is so many living animals that it gives you tremendous experience.
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During our travelling across Australian continent we visited one breeder who has such interesting mutation in his breeding. What is that? Recessive lutino?
Title photo: Cockatoos in Winton Wetlands, (c) Lubomir Tomiska
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