Long-billed Corella

A couple of long-bills visited my garden again today. As usual, they were amongst a small flock of Little Corellas that ‘drop in’ every now and then and resist my attempts at persuading them to evacuate the premises due to their usual destructive and noisy behaviours.

Long-billed Corella

‘Corella’ is thought to have indigenous origins but exactly from which language is not certain. ‘Garala’ from Wiradjuri is most likely, but ‘garila’ and ‘caralla’ are also quoted in historical references.

The Long-billed Corella, Cacatua tenuirostris, has adapted well to agricultural and semi-urban environments, particularly in western Victoria where they became, and still are in some places, significant pests around farms and other rural properties. Anecdotally they are steadily spreading this side of Melbourne.

Long-billed Corella - Birdata

That long upper mandible is used to dig for roots and bulbs. It isn’t hard to appreciate the damage that could be done to crops, orchards, even hard surfaces like outdoor furniture, with such a tool. There are many records of property owners trying to solve that problem by culling the birds by various means (careful – distressing images).

Corella numbers can fluctuate wildly according to conditions. If you think the flocks of Little Corellas in West Gippsland are of concern, have sympathy for some residents in WA in 1878 who estimated a flock size of 50,000 birds!

Little Corella                                           Long-billed Corella

In the 1970’s, in some parts of its range where their numbers were of concern, Long-billed Corellas were ‘officially’ trapped and sold to the pet trade. Ultimately this had the effect of birds being released, deliberately or accidentally, into new areas. Long-billed Corellas are long-lived with life-spans greater than 20 years. Many caged birds outlived their owners.

There are numerous references by federal, state, and local government agencies that provide advice on ‘Cockatoo, corella and galah wildlife management methods’, their efficacy notwithstanding.