Hope ahead of 30th annual Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo count

Increased sightings spark optimism ahead of 30th annual Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo count 

The Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Recovery Team, in partnership with BirdLife Australia, is calling for volunteers to take part in the 30th annual count of the Endangered South-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo on Saturday 2 May 2026.

Recent reports of increased bird sightings across parts of the species’ range have provided a welcome boost leading into this year’s count. It is hoped through coordinated monitoring that these early observations translate into a better understanding of population trends and breeding success. 

“For 30 years, volunteers have searched the region’s stringybark forests for flocks of these elusive birds,” says Rachel Farran, SeRtBc Project Coordinator.  

“We’ve already seen a lift in reported sightings this season, which is exciting, but it makes this year’s count more important than ever to understand what’s really happening across the landscape.” 

During the count, volunteers will be assigned to one of about 60 survey sites across the cockatoo’s range, from Nelson to Little Desert National Park in Victoria, and from Mount Gambier to Keith in South Australia.  At each site, participants will drive and stop at intervals to listen for the cockatoos’ distinctive ‘karak-karak’ call. 

Landholders with stringybark habitat are also encouraged to get involved by surveying their own properties.  

“Seasonal conditions, including recent dry periods and fire impacts, can influence food availability and bird movement,” Rachel said.  “Local knowledge from landholders is incredibly valuable in contributing to our annual count.”

“No prior bird survey experience is necessary – all you need is a willingness to learn what Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos look and sound like. They can sometimes be confused with the more common Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo, but resources are available on our website to help people tell the difference,” Rachel said. 

A training session will be held on the morning of the count at the Information Shelter in Casterton, with an online training video also available. The primary goal of the count is to locate large flocks for follow-up monitoring. These flock counts are essential for assessing breeding success and tracking the overall health of the population. 

Last year challenging weather conditions resulted in fewer sightings and a lower-than-expected count with volunteers recording 885 birds. 

“With increased sightings already being reported, this year presents a valuable opportunity to build a clearer picture of the population,” Rachel said. 

Participating is simple – bring a survey partner or group, binoculars, a love for the outdoors, and a vehicle (preferably a 4WD).  To register for the count, visit www.birdlife.org.au/redtail-count 

Community members who spot a Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo before the count are encouraged to report their sightings by calling 1800 262 062, emailing redtail@birdlife.org.au, or visiting www.redtail.com.au.  These reports help guide survey planning and improve count outcomes. 

This project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by the Wimmera CMA, Glenelg Hopkins CMA and the Limestone Coast Landscape Board, members of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel. 

 For more information on how to participate or submit sightings, visit www.redtail.com.au.

Media contact: Rachel Farran, Birdlife Australia’s South-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo recovery project coordinator, phone: 0447 543 646, email: rachel.farran@birdlife.org.au