Western Corella
The Western Corella (Cacatua pastinator) formerly known as the Western Long-billed Corella, is a species of white cockatoo endemic to south-western Western Australia.
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| Western Corella |
image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pokerbrit/
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| Western Corella |
image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/26085795@N02/
Taxonomy
The Western Corella was formerly considered either a subspecies of the Little Corella or the Long-billed Corella, before being recognised as a full species. There are two subspecies:
- Muir's Corella, Cacatua (Licmetis) pastinator pastinator (Gould, 1841)
- Butler's Corella, Cacatua (Licmetis) pastinator butleri Ford, J., 1987
Aviculture
This species has the ability to mimic clearly and, like other cockatoos, bonds strongly to its owner. The Western Corella may show aggression to other birds in the aviary. It is not as common in aviculture as the Little Corella or Long-billed Corella.
Status and conservation
While generally uncommon, it has expanded its range in recent decades, and is therefore listed as of least concern by BirdLife International. However, the nominate subspecies, Muir's Corella, is relatively rare, with a population of around 3000 individuals, and is considered to be nationally Vulnerable.
