Cacatua ophthalmica

(Sclater, 1864)

Vernacular names
English : Blue-eyed cockatoo
French : Cacatoès aux yeux bleus

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Psittaciformes
Family : Cacatuidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The species can grow to 50 cm for more than 500 g in weight. Plumage is mostly white with yellowish undertail. Large round crest featuring bright yellow feathers partially covered with white. Prominent bright blue eye-ring.

Range and habitat
This species is endemic to the island of New Britain, off north-east New Guinea. It probably occurred on New Ireland in the past as well. Lives in lowland tropical primary forests, sometimes in nearby agricultural areas.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species’ status in the wild is still poorly understood. Trapping occurs but the main threat is loss and fragmentation of its habitat.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

Back to “Cockatoos” page