Devastating bushfires wiped out millions of Australian animals a few years back, but it doesn’t end there. Major Mitchell’s cockatoo is the most recent native animal to be added to the Threatened Species list. Soon all that could be left of the animal are these very tattoos.
Major Mitchell’s cockatoo is an Australian bird species named after Scottish explorer, Major Sir Thomas Mitchell; its scientific name (Lophochroa leadbeateri) commemorates Benjamin Leadbeater, a British naturalist. You may also find the birds referred to as pink cockatoos or Leadbeater’s cockatoos.
Another colourful member of the cockatoo family, Major Mitchell’s cockatoo has pink and white plumage, and a raise of its crest reveals bright red and yellow stripes.
Found in more arid areas of inland Australia, the bird’s population is not as widespread as its other colourful counterpart, the galah.
Major Mitchell’s cockatoos mate for life and have two to three offspring each year. The birds require hollow-bearing trees in which raise their chicks. Humans are continuing to impact their habitat with the clearing of woodlands.
Major Mitchell’s cockatoos also happens to be quite rare in the tattooed population; consider adding one to your native Australia flora and fauna collection.
The Tattooed Archivist 