Breeding

The time of year that Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos breed can vary depending upon which part of Australia they reside. In the northern part of their range they generally breed between March and August. Birds in the south start breeding around October, until April.

Males and females both work to prepare the nest hollow, usually very high in a large mature tree, which they line with wood chips. The hen incubates the eggs on her own and the male goes out to forage for food for them both, which he regurgiates to the female as he returns to the nest site.

The two eggs are incubated for approximately 28 days. Two chicks often hatch but usually only one survives.

Like all black cockatoos (?) Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo chicks have a relatively long weaning period. They fledge from the nest at around 11 weeks, and from then on remain with the parents for up to 6 months. These young birds will often constantly perch near the feeding parents and utter a constant harsh rasping sound.