Glossy Black Cockatoos

Glossy Black Cockatoos

Glossy black cockatoos are often found feeding and nesting at or close to Ballina Beach Village.  They are one of the more threatened species of cockatoo in Australia and are listed as a vulnerable in NSW.

 What do they look like?

  • The glossy black-cockatoo is around 46-50 centimetres long and is generally smaller than other black-cockatoos. It is a brownish black colour and has a small crest.
  • The male can be identified by the browner colour on the head and underparts and by bright red panels in the black tail. 
  • The female has a wider tail which is red to reddish-yellow, barred with black. The female may also have yellow markings around the head.

What can you do to help glossy black cockatoos?

  • At Ballina Beach Village we have a number of black she-oak trees which the Glossy black cockatoos feed on.  We have also implemented a program to plant additional trees to help and protect the species.
  • These trees have been identified as habitat trees around the park.  If you see a glossy black cockatoo, we would ask that you leave the birds alone, and let our staff know so we can record the sighting.  If you can safely take a photo for us, then that would be helpful.
  • If you find an injured or displaced glossy black cockatoo, please let our staff know as soon as possible or call DPIE on 02 9995 5000.

South Ballina Beach conservation area

  • Richmond River Nature Reserve is approximately 254ha in size and situated on the southern bank of the lower Richmond River at South Ballina.
  • The reserve contains significant wetland and coastal vegetation communities. The mangroves and the other vegetation communities of the reserve also provide significant habitat for birds.
  • Of the 160 bird species identified in the reserve and surrounding area, 22 of the shorebirds are protected under international conservation agreements. 
  • The reserve is part of a landscape that is of cultural importance to the Bundjalung Aboriginal people and we would ask that you respect this area and help to protect it and the animals that live within it. 

Dogs

    • We are very happy to have your dog stay at the park; however, we would remind you that dogs must be kept on a leash and are not permitted in these areas of conservation, including the Beach in front of the park.