The Slender-billed Cockatoo (Cacatua tenuirostris)

The Intelligent Specialist of the South

The Slender-billed Cockatoo, also known as the Long-billed Corella, is perhaps the most distinctive of the “white” cockatoos. Native to Southeastern Australia, they are often seen in large, noisy flocks on the ground. While they may lack the bright colors of the Galah, their unique physical features and high intelligence make them fascinating companions.

They are famous for their elongated, “needle-like” upper beak, which they use in the wild like a precision tool to dig for roots, bulbs, and insects.

Key Characteristics

• The Specialized Beak: Their upper mandible is significantly longer and thinner than that of other cockatoos. It is a highly evolved tool for digging and “probing” the soil for food.

• Red Accents: They are primarily white but feature beautiful, vivid red-pink patches on their throat and forehead (often called the “blood-stained” look) and a delicate splash of red around the eyes.

• Genius-Level Intelligence: Among bird enthusiasts, Slender-bills are regarded as some of the smartest parrots. They are incredibly quick to learn tricks, solve complex puzzles, and mimic human speech with surprising clarity.

• Social and Ground-Oriented: Unlike many parrots that prefer the treetops, Slender-bills love being on the ground. They are social “busy-bodies” who want to be involved in everything their “flock” is doing.

Quick Facts

Care & Enrichment

Because of their unique biology and high brainpower, Slender-bills have specific requirements:

• Foraging Opportunities: Since they are natural diggers, they need to forage. Providing a “foraging box” filled with safe wood chips, stones, and hidden treats will keep them occupied for hours.

• Beak Health: Their long beak is meant for work. They require a constant supply of hard wooden toys and branches to satisfy their instinct to dig and chew.

• Social Interaction: They are very “chatty” and social. They require an owner who will talk back to them and include them in daily household activities.

Is a Slender-billed Cockatoo Right for You?

The Slender-billed is perfect for an owner who appreciates intelligence and a quirky appearance over “flashy” colors. If you want a bird that is an incredible talker, a master at games, and a devoted (if slightly mischievous) companion, this corella is a brilliant choice.