Is there a difference between a black cockatoo and a red-tailed black cockatoo?

Yes, there are some key differences between black cockatoos as a general group and the specific red-tailed black cockatoo species:

• Black cockatoos refer broadly to a group of larger cockatoos native to Australia that all have mostly dark blackish plumage. There are three distinct species of recognized black cockatoos:

1. Red-tailed Black Cockatoo
2. Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo
3. Glossy Black Cockatoo

• The red-tailed black cockatoo is one specific species within the black cockatoo group.
• It can be identified by the prominent bright red panels on its tail feathers and red cheek patches.
• The other two black cockatoo species have yellow tail panels (Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo) or lack any bright tail colors (Glossy Black Cockatoo).

So in summary:

• Black cockatoos = general term referring to all large, mostly black cockatoos in Australia
• There are 3 specific species of Australian black cockatoos:
  • Red-tailed Black Cockatoo
  • Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo
  • Glossy Black Cockatoo
• The palm cockatoo is also a large black cockatoo species but is native to New Guinea, not continental Australia. Click here to learn more about the unique palm cockatoo.