Hubbry Logo
Corella (bird)Corella (bird)Main
Open search
Corella (bird)
Community hub
Corella (bird)
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something
Corella (bird)
Corella (bird)
Corella (bird)
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Corella
Little corella
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Cacatuidae
Genus: Cacatua
Subgenus: Licmetis
Species

6, see text

Licmetis is a subgenus of the white cockatoos (genus Cacatua). They are collectively known as corellas in Australia. Three of the six species are primarily – or only – found in Australia, while the Philippines, Indonesia, and the Solomons each have an endemic species. They are relatively small cockatoos and – unlike the members of the subgenus Cacatua – all have pale bills. While most show yellow-tinged underwings and some red to the face, none has conspicuously coloured crests.

Species

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Corella (bird)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Corellas are a group of small to medium-sized white cockatoos belonging to the subgenus Licmetis within the genus Cacatua, distinguished by their predominantly white , short crests (often inconspicuous), blue-grey periophthalmic skin, pale bills, and yellowish wash on the underwings and undertail in flight. Native primarily to , with additional species in parts of and the , they are highly social birds that typically form large, noisy flocks while on seeds, roots, fruits, and insects in open habitats. The Australian corellas comprise three main : the widespread little corella (Cacatua sanguinea), the southeastern long-billed corella (C. tenuirostris), and the southwestern western corella (C. pastinator), all of which are adapted to a range of environments from arid grasslands and woodlands to urban areas and agricultural lands. These birds exhibit opportunistic and nomadic behaviors, often traveling in flocks of dozens to thousands, which allows them to exploit resources across vast distances. They nest in hollows or cliffs, laying 2–3 eggs per during the austral winter to spring (July–October in ), with both parents sharing incubation and chick-rearing duties; fledglings typically leave the nest after about seven weeks. Corellas are vocal, producing loud, distinctive calls such as the little corella's high-pitched screech or the long-billed corella's repetitive "wulluk-wulluk," which serve for communication within flocks and territorial defense. While most corella populations are stable or increasing due to their adaptability to human-modified landscapes, some subspecies face threats from habitat loss, competition with invasive species, and hybridization where ranges overlap. For instance, the is listed as conservation dependent in , requiring ongoing monitoring and protection of breeding sites. Internationally, species like the (C. goffiniana) are Near Threatened due to trapping for the pet trade and agricultural conflicts.

Taxonomy

Etymology

The term "corella" originates from an Indigenous Australian language, most likely spoken in central , where it denoted small white cockatoo-like birds. This borrowing entered English in the early , reflecting the adoption of Aboriginal by European settlers and naturalists documenting Australian avifauna. Dictionaries trace the word to a native form such as "carall," highlighting its roots in local Indigenous knowledge rather than European linguistic traditions. The name gained prominence in English through the work of , who in 1843 described the (now Cacatua sanguinea) and labeled it "" in accompanying illustrations, distinguishing it from larger species. Earlier, European explorers and travelers in the 1830s and 1840s employed "corella" in journals to refer to these birds, often citing their flocking behavior near water sources as a in arid regions. This usage underscored the birds' ecological role and helped popularize the term beyond scientific circles. In contrast to the common name's Indigenous derivation, the scientific places corellas within the genus —from the Malay "kakatoe" for —and the subgenus , emphasizing their taxonomic relation to other white in the Cacatuidae.

Classification

Corellas belong to the kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Psittaciformes, Cacatuidae, Cacatua, and subgenus Licmetis. This placement reflects their evolutionary position among parrots, distinguished by genetic divergences estimated at 3.4–8.2 million years ago from other Cacatua lineages. The subgenus Licmetis encompasses six recognized species: little corella (Cacatua sanguinea), long-billed corella (C. tenuirostris), western corella (C. pastinator), Philippine corella (C. haematuropygia), Ducorps's corella (C. ducorpsii), and Tanimbar corella (C. goffiniana). These species are defined by shared morphological traits such as vestigial crests and pale bills, supported by phylogenomic analyses. Subspecies variation occurs within several species; for example, the (C. sanguinea) includes five : C. s. sanguinea, C. s. normantoni, C. s. transfreta, C. s. gymnopis, and C. s. westralensis. These distinctions arise from regional morphological differences confirmed through taxonomic reviews. The Licmetis, originally proposed as a genus by Wagler in 1832, was formally recognized and elevated within during the , driven by morphological studies and early genetic analyses that highlighted distinct evolutionary lineages among corellas. Recent phylogenomic research has further validated this separation, though some classifications propose reinstating Licmetis as a full .

Description

Physical features

Corellas, belonging to the subgenus Licmetis within the genus Cacatua, are recognized as small to medium-sized white cockatoos, with lengths ranging from 30 to 48 cm and weights from 250 to 815 g across species. Australian species typically measure 35–45 cm and weigh 400–700 g. Their plumage is predominantly white, often with a subtle yellow wash visible on the underwings and undertail during flight, contributing to their distinctive appearance in the air. Unlike larger cockatoos, corellas lack prominent crests, possessing instead vestigial, backward-curving crests that are short and often inconspicuous. The bills of corellas are pale greyish-white, short and robust in most species but notably longer and more slender in the long-billed corella, adapted for cracking seeds and nuts or probing for roots and insects. Facial features include blue-grey or leaden blue bare skin around the eyes, forming an eye ring that extends below the eye in an oval shape, with some species exhibiting red or orange lores, as seen in the little corella (C. sanguinea). Anatomically, corellas possess short, squared tails and broad, rounded wings, which facilitate agile and maneuverable flight suited to their often social and acrobatic behaviors in flocks. These traits underscore their placement in the Licmetis subgenus, where shared morphological features distinguish them from other white cockatoos.

Variations among species

Corella species exhibit notable morphological variations, particularly in size, bill structure, and plumage details, while sharing a predominantly white base coloration. Body lengths range from approximately 30 cm in the smallest species to up to 48 cm in the largest, reflecting adaptations to diverse foraging and environmental pressures. The (Cacatua goffiniana) is the smallest at 30–32 cm, with a compact build suited to island habitats. In contrast, the (C. tenuirostris) reaches 38–41 cm, the (C. pastinator) 37–48 cm with a stockier frame, the Ducorps's corella (C. ducorpsii) ~30 cm, and the Philippine corella (C. haematuropygia) 30–31 cm. Bill morphology varies significantly among species, influencing feeding strategies. The long-billed corella possesses a notably long and slender upper mandible adapted for probing soil and extracting roots or insects. Conversely, the little corella (C. sanguinea) has a shorter, more robust bill better suited for cracking seeds and nuts on the surface. These differences highlight specialized dietary niches within the genus. Plumage variations add distinct identifying features beyond the shared white feathering. The Philippine corella (C. haematuropygia) is characterized by a striking red vent, formed by crimson undertail coverts that contrast sharply with its otherwise white body. The displays a pale yellow wash on the ear-coverts and underwing coverts, providing a warmer hue. In comparison, Ducorps's corella (C. ducorpsii) and the show minimal markings, with only faint pink bases to head feathers and yellowish undertail in adults, resulting in a cleaner white appearance. Sexual dimorphism is generally absent in corellas, with males and females similar in plumage and overall appearance. However, slight size differences occur in some species; for instance, in the Philippine corella, males have larger heads and beaks than females, averaging 5–10% greater in linear measurements. Similar subtle disparities in body size are noted in the , where males tend to be marginally heavier and longer-winged.

Distribution and habitat

Geographic range

Corellas comprise six species in the subgenus Licmetis of the genus in the cockatoo family Cacatuidae, exhibits a distribution centered on and adjacent island groups in and the Pacific. Three species are endemic to mainland : the (Cacatua sanguinea) is the most widespread, occurring commonly across northern and inland regions from through the , , and into and , with populations extending to coastal fringes in some areas. The (C. tenuirostris) is restricted to southeastern , ranging from southeastern across southern and Victoria, primarily in grassy woodlands and riverine areas. The (C. pastinator) is confined to southwestern , south of Perth along the Swan and Avon rivers to the southwest coast, with two showing limited overlap in their distributions within this region. Beyond Australia, corellas occupy isolated island distributions. The Philippine corella (C. haematuropygia) is endemic to the Philippines, historically widespread but now largely restricted to Palawan Island and nearby smaller islands such as Dumaran, Rasa, and Pandanas, with occasional records from the Sulu Archipelago and Polillo Island. Ducorps's corella (C. ducorpsii), also known as the Solomons corella, is native to the Solomon Islands archipelago, where it is abundant across most islands from Bougainville and Buka in eastern Papua New Guinea eastward to Malaita, though absent from Makira and surrounding islands. The Tanimbar corella (C. goffiniana) is endemic to the Tanimbar Islands in the Indonesian province of Maluku, primarily on Yamdena and Larat, with a small introduced population on the nearby Kai Islands. Introduced populations of corellas have established outside their native ranges, primarily through escapes from captivity. Feral groups of the occur in urban and peri-urban areas of , such as and parts of , beyond their natural inland distribution. Similarly, long-billed corellas have formed populations in and Perth. Historical range expansions among Australian corella species, particularly the little and long-billed corellas, have been notable since European colonization, driven by agricultural development that provided reliable food sources like grain crops and water from farm dams, allowing populations to spread into previously unoccupied arid and semi-arid interiors and southern regions.

Habitat preferences

Corellas, belonging to the genus , exhibit a strong preference for open and semi-open ecosystems that provide ample opportunities for and nesting, such as woodlands, grasslands, and savannas. Australian species, including the (C. sanguinea) and (C. tenuirostris), particularly favor riparian zones along tree-lined watercourses and adjacent plains, where they exploit savannah woodlands, mallee, and rangelands for shelter and resources. These habitats offer scattered eucalypts and grassy understories, supporting their ground- behaviors while minimizing exposure to dense vegetation. Island-endemic corellas display more specialized affinities within lowland environments. The Philippine corella (C. haematuropygia), also known as the , inhabits primary and secondary lowland forests adjacent to riverine and zones, typically below 50 meters , where coastal influences enhance diversity. Similarly, Ducorps's corella (C. ducorpsii) from the occupies lowland rainforests, secondary growth, and forest edges, extending into cleared areas and gardens up to around 700 meters, though it avoids montane cloud forests. In contrast, the (C. goffiniana) thrives in primary and secondary tropical forests as well as scrublands and open lands on the , utilizing a mix of dense and sparser for nesting in large tree cavities. Across species, corellas demonstrate notable adaptability to human-modified landscapes, which has facilitated their expansion into agricultural fields, pastures, and urban parks. The , in particular, readily occupies cropped areas, stubble fields, and suburban greenspaces, often forming large flocks in these altered environments. This flexibility underscores their opportunistic nature, allowing persistence in fragmented habitats amid ongoing land-use changes. Overall, corellas are predominantly lowland dwellers, ranging up to approximately 1,000 meters, and they consistently shun dense, closed-canopy rainforests in favor of more open, accessible terrains.

Behaviour and ecology

Social structure and vocalization

Corellas are highly social birds that typically live in large, gregarious flocks, often numbering in the hundreds to thousands for species like the (Cacatua sanguinea), where groups congregate around water sources or foraging areas. These flocks facilitate communal activities such as foraging and play, with individuals exhibiting comical antics like hanging upside down or sliding on surfaces, which strengthen social bonds within the group. Within these flocks, corellas form strong, monogamous pair bonds that often last for life, as observed in both little and long-billed corellas (C. tenuirostris), with pairs returning to the same nesting sites annually and occasionally separating only upon the loss of a mate. Flocking behaviors among corellas include communal roosting in trees at night, where non-breeding birds gather in sheltered, leafy areas for safety and rest, dispersing at dawn for synchronized flights to foraging grounds within a few kilometers of the roost. For the long-billed corella, flocks are generally smaller, ranging from 50 to 100 individuals but occasionally larger in resource-rich areas, with the group maintaining vigilance through appointed sentinels during ground foraging. These coordinated movements and roosting patterns enhance predator detection and resource sharing, contributing to the species' adaptability in varied habitats. Corellas produce a range of vocalizations that are typically loud and harsh, serving essential communication roles within flocks. The emits slurred, multi-note calls, along with screeching, cackling, and whistling sounds that can carry over long distances, particularly during flight or when gathering. Alarm calls, characterized by rapid vocalizing and raised crests, alert the flock to predators, prompting evasive actions like flight or heightened alertness, while contact calls maintain group cohesion during synchronized movements. Although corellas possess some abilities similar to other cockatoos, their vocal repertoire is more focused on -specific calls rather than extensive imitation, limiting their talking potential compared to certain other .

Diet and foraging

Corellas are primarily granivorous birds, with their diet centered on seeds from native grasses and agricultural crops, including , , , and for Australian species such as the (Cacatua sanguinea) and (Cacatua tenuirostris). They frequently forage on lawn grasses in urban areas and remnant grain in stubble fields post-harvest. Bulbs and corms, particularly from plants like onion grass (Romulea spp.), form a key component, dug up from the soil. Supplementary foods include fruits, berries, nuts, flowers, and from trees such as pines and apples, as well as dried grapes from vineyards; corellas use their strong feet to grasp and manipulate these items while feeding. appear infrequently in their diet and are not a primary focus. occurs mainly on the ground, where birds probe and dig with their robust bills to extract buried , bulbs, and tubers, often in large flocks that concentrate on patchy, high-density sources for efficiency. Some occasionally feed in trees or shrubs to access fruits and . Due to their opportunistic habits, corellas are notorious agricultural pests in regions like , where flocks raid newly seeded paddocks and maturing cereal crops, causing significant economic losses for grain farmers in affected areas, such as those impacted by Muir's corella (Cacatua pastinator), exacerbated by the birds' preference for germinating seeds and exposed bulbs in ploughed fields.

Reproduction

Corellas typically form monogamous pairs that often maintain lifelong bonds, with both sexes participating equally in reproductive activities. The breeding season varies by species and region, generally occurring in spring to summer in temperate areas of , such as August to January for the (Cacatua tenuirostris), but can be more opportunistic and extend year-round in tropical following periods of rainfall for species like the (Cacatua sanguinea). In the (Cacatua pastinator), breeding is highly synchronized within populations, typically from July to October. Nesting sites are usually hollows in large, mature eucalypt trees, though some species use palm trunks or cliff cavities; the nest chamber is lined with wood chips or decayed material, prepared by both parents. Clutch sizes range from 2 to 3 eggs, occasionally up to 4 in the , laid at intervals of 1 to 8 days by the female. Incubation lasts 24 to 26 days on average, shared by both parents but primarily performed by the female, with the male providing food to the incubating partner. The altricial chicks hatch with sparse pale yellow down and remain dependent in the nest for about 7 to 8 weeks, fed regurgitated semi-digested food by both parents. Fledging occurs at 8 to 10 weeks, after which young corellas experience high mortality rates due to predation, starvation, and other factors. Some species, notably the little corella, breed colonially, with multiple pairs nesting in the same riverine trees or eucalypt stands, sometimes sharing sites with other corella species where ranges overlap.

Conservation

Threats and human impact

Corellas face significant threats from habitat loss driven by and agricultural expansion, which reduce available nesting sites and foraging areas. In , clearing of woodlands for has fragmented , leading to degradation and loss of tree hollows essential for nesting, particularly affecting species like the long-billed corella whose feeding grounds are dominated by eucalypt vegetation converted to farmland. For island-dwelling species such as the Philippine cockatoo, extensive lowland and mangrove destruction have severely curtailed nesting and food-providing trees, contributing to rapid population declines. Similarly, in southwestern , habitat loss for Muir's corella stems from agricultural clearing, salinization, and conversion to plantations, exacerbating shortages of nest hollows. Human persecution poses a direct threat, particularly through and targeted at corellas viewed as agricultural pests. In , little corellas are often culled using pesticides like fenitrothion applied to crops, resulting in mass die-offs, such as the confirmed poisoning of over 200 individuals in Newcastle in 2025 due to their crop-raiding behavior on grains and fruits. Historical and ongoing illegal of species like Muir's corella for damaging crops has persisted despite legal protections, though enforcement has aided some recoveries. For the Philippine cockatoo, illegal for the pet trade remains a critical pressure, with high historical volumes (e.g., hundreds captured annually in the ) driven by demand, though now limited by low wild numbers; additional as crop pests and for compound the issue. Introduced predators, notably feral cats, add to these pressures by preying on eggs, nestlings, and adults, especially in fragmented habitats. In , cats kill an estimated 377 million birds annually, with significant impacts on native species including hollow-nesting cockatoos like Carnaby's, where predation rates on breeding attempts reached 24% in drought-affected years, suggesting similar vulnerabilities for corellas. further threatens arid-adapted corellas by intensifying droughts and altering ecosystems, potentially worsening habitat degradation and increasing competition for resources in regions like southwestern . Despite these challenges, some corella populations benefit from human proximity, enabling urban expansions. Little corellas, for instance, thrive in modified urban and peri-urban landscapes by exploiting readily available water sources like dams and troughs, as well as open spaces for foraging, leading to increasing numbers in human-altered environments across . This adaptability allows certain flocks to persist near agricultural and city areas, though it often heightens conflict with humans.

Status by species

The little corella ( sanguinea) is classified as Least Concern on the , with an unknown global that is suspected to be increasing due to its high adaptability to human-modified habitats such as pastureland and arable areas. The long-billed corella ( tenuirostris) is also assessed as Least Concern, with a estimated at 100,000–499,999 individuals that continues to increase, supported by its expansion into modified landscapes without approaching vulnerable thresholds. The western corella (Cacatua pastinator) holds a Least Concern status, featuring an increasing trend following historical declines from and as a perceived agricultural pest; the nominate has recovered to approximately 3,000 individuals through legal protections and changes. In contrast, the Philippine corella (Cacatua haematuropygia) is categorized as Critically Endangered, with a remaining population of 430–750 mature individuals that is decreasing rapidly due to intense trapping for the pet trade and extensive loss from . Ducorps's corella (Cacatua ducorpsii), also known as the Solomons corella, is evaluated as Least Concern despite a decreasing trend inferred from ongoing loss; its extent of occurrence spans 158,000 km² across and the , which does not meet criteria for higher threat levels. The (Cacatua goffiniana) is listed as Near Threatened, with a of –499,999 individuals undergoing a suspected moderate decline of 20–29% from 2000 to 2037, primarily driven by degradation from and heavy exploitation for the international pet trade. Overall, the Corella genus is not considered globally threatened, as most maintain stable or increasing populations across large ranges in and nearby regions, though island-endemic face elevated risks from localized pressures such as and alteration.

References

  1. https://australian.museum/learn/animals/birds/little-corella/
  2. https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/media/2148/download
  3. https://australian.museum/learn/animals/birds/long-billed-corella/
  4. https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/western-corella-cacatua-pastinator
  5. https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tanimbar-corella-cacatua-goffiniana
  6. https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/corella
  7. https://toowoombafieldnaturalists.blogspot.com/2015/11/whos-pretty-boy-then.html
  8. https://digital.lib.ku.edu/ku-gould/13884
  9. https://www.wheatbeltnrm.org.au/s/20250721-Corellas-in-the-Central-Wheatbelt-V1.pdf
  10. https://bioone.org/journals/bulletin-of-the-american-museum-of-natural-history/volume-2024/issue-468/0003-0090.468.1.1/Revised-Evolutionary-and-Taxonomic-Synthesis-for-Parrots-Order--Psittaciformes/10.1206/0003-0090.468.1.1.full
  11. https://parrots.org/encyclopedia/little-corella/
  12. https://biodiversity.org.au/afd/taxa/Little_Corella
  13. https://animalia.bio/western-corella/
  14. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/litcor2/cur/introduction
  15. https://birdadvocacyfoundation.org/long-billed-corella/
  16. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/wescor1/cur/introduction
  17. https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/philippine-cockatoo-cacatua-haematuropygia
  18. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/duccoc1/cur/introduction
  19. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/phicoc1/cur/introduction
  20. https://aszk.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Birds.-Long-billed-Corella-2011FO.pdf
  21. https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/little-corella-cacatua-sanguinea
  22. https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/solomons-corella-cacatua-ducorpsii
  23. https://ebird.org/species/lobcor1
  24. https://www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0042/637989/Victorian-Corella-Strategy-2022-2032.pdf
  25. https://cdn.environment.sa.gov.au/environment/docs/little-corella-resource-document-gen.pdf
  26. https://parrots.org/encyclopedia/red-vented-corella/
  27. https://animalia.bio/red-vented-cockatoo
  28. https://parrots.org/encyclopedia/solomon-islands-cockatoo/
  29. https://animalia.bio/solomons-cockatoo
  30. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/360720323_Land_Cover_Analysis_and_Habitat_Identification_of_Tanimbar_Corella_Cacatua_Goffiniana_on_Tanimbar_Islands_Maluku
  31. https://ebird.org/species/litcor2
  32. https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/living-with-wildlife/little-corellas
  33. http://blogs.thatpetplace.com/thatbirdblog/2011/08/12/small-cockatoos-with-big-personalities-introducing-the-corellas/
  34. https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/files/sharedassets/public/plants_and_animals/abundant_species/fleurieu-corella-report-gen.pdf
  35. https://animalia.bio/long-billed-corella
  36. https://www.centennialparklands.com.au/visit/environment/birds/corella
  37. https://grasslands.ecolinc.vic.edu.au/fieldguide/fauna/little-corella
  38. https://bioone.org/ebook/download?urlId=10.1071/978064309558810.129.152.2007.10&isFullBook=false
  39. https://doi.org/10.3897/natureconservation.27.27243
  40. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1071/MU9770223
  41. https://app.mybirdbuddy.com/birds/little-corella/2ebdadc7-7c06-47d1-acac-4ea0835cdfcb
  42. https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/cacatua-pastinator-pastinator.pdf
  43. https://www.wingmate.au/au/birds/corella/little-corella
  44. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10531-024-02890-1
  45. https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/news/epamedia/250430-pesticides-confirmed-in-corella-deaths-as-investigation-continues
  46. https://www.nespthreatenedspecies.edu.au/media/o5cgayix/1-1-2-how-many-birds-are-killed-by-cats-in-australia.pdf
  47. https://www.publish.csiro.au/pc/fulltext/pc25019
  48. https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/long-billed-corella-cacatua-tenuirostris
  49. https://a-z-animals.com/animals/corella/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
Contribute something
User Avatar
No comments yet.