Meet Romeo, the romantic red-tailed black cockatoo. The red-tailed black cockatoo, known scientifically as Calyptorhynchus banksii, is a striking and elegant bird native to Australia. These medium to large-sized cockatoos are most recognizable for their stunning plumage and distinctive features.
The males have a glossy black body adorned with bold red panels in their tail feathers, particularly vivid in mature adults. Their heads are distinguished by a slightly curved crest, which they can raise and lower, adding to their expressive demeanor. The females are generally more muted in color, featuring a brownish-black hue with lighter mottled patterns, but they still possess the beautiful red under-tails that characterize the species.
In terms of behavior, red-tailed black cockatoos are known for their intelligence and social nature. They often form close bonds with their partners, engaging in delightful displays of courtship that involve vocalizations, mutual preening, and playful interactions. These birds communicate through a variety of calls and whistles, which can create a melodious background in the bushland where they inhabit.
We love bird spotting around our neighbourhood and on our nature walks. We often observe all species of cockatoos and imagine what they are talking about, thinking and what games they are playing.
I chose to work on the Red Tailed Black Cockatoo mainly because of its black colour. When I look at their feathers closely there are various shades of cool colours reflecting in the light.
I started to explore personalities and attitudes of these creatures with Frank, followed by Billy, Harold, Charlotte, Elliot, Ivy, Jimmy, Dexter and now Romeo. These beautiful impressions birds are part of my first limited series called 'I see the Blues in Black Cockatoos'.