Bird Size
With a body about the size of a basketball (~45cm) the Glossy Black Cockatoo is a small brownish black cockatoo with only a small crest on its head compared to other black cockies.
Bird Features, Colours, Behaviours
The Glossy Black Cockatoo is a small brownish black cockatoo. She can have bright blossom yellow patches around her head and neck but he doesn’t. Young start out with yellow spots on their head and body and some yellow, red and orange in their tail. Their tails start with thicker black streaks but these get smaller and the colour gets redder the older they get but hers can keeps some orange and red. Their beaks are broad/roundish/stumpy and strong which helps them to eat the she-oaks/casuarinas they love.
Bird Social Behaviour
Always in trees, these guys hang in pairs, groups of three or small mobs.
Language Area / Centre: Yugambeh
Bird name: Baleirei
Story: Special Drumley family bird: Baleirei has deep spiritual connection to mob. Its call is a sign that big rains are coming and its red tail feathers can be connected to ceremony and fire.
Knowledge from: Germaine Paulson
Knowledge origin: Mununjali