Have a go at this amazing bird!

[Betrisher]

This pic popped up on my facebook newsfeed today. It belongs to a friend of a friend of mine. Both do wildlife photography and the f of a f posted this pic of a wild sport Red-tailed Black Cockatoo. Everyone's wondering how on earth the plumage came to be so - well - YELLOW.

Anyway, the nice thing is that the photographers are keeping the location of the bird's home range a secret as far as they can. They fear someone might want to 'collect' it for breeding purposes and so they have an agreement to try to protect the little darling's right to a natural life. Isn't that nice? And isn't the bird GORGEOUS!?

 

[ParrotLover7]

Omg. That IS STUNNING!!!!!!!

 

[SailBoat]

This pic popped up on my facebook newsfeed today. It belongs to a friend of a friend of mine. Both do wildlife photography and the f of a f posted this pic of a wild sport Red-tailed Black Cockatoo. Everyone's wondering how on earth the plumage came to be so - well - YELLOW.

Anyway, the nice thing is that the photographers are keeping the location of the bird's home range a secret as far as they can. They fear someone might want to 'collect' it for breeding purposes and so they have an agreement to try to protect the little darling's right to a natural life. Isn't that nice? And isn't the bird GORGEOUS!?

I can understand the want to keep the location secret, since this is such a stunning mutation of a Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo.

The how is part of the natural process of testing variation as a way of adjusting too either changes in the range the Parrot is found in or moving out into other areas (extending or totally new ranges). Commonly, the mutations are minor variations to the standard presentation and then you have these huge transformations. If there is a pair or if a common Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo finds the coloration enchanting, the mutation will repeat. Understand that Parrots see UV and seeing this mutation in UV will likely explain much of the why. When you consider the jump from White to Black, Black to large areas of Yellow is a bit easier to understand.

And isn't the bird GORGEOUS!? A resounding Yes!!!

Thank-you for sharing this amazing photo! Also a thanks back to the F of a F!!!

 

[Scott]

Beautiful, and hopefully will remain well protected!!

 

[Allee]

What a stunning creature! I hope the photographer's efforts are realized and this gorgeous bird remains free for years to come. Thank you for the photo and the story, Trish!