© JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) / CC BY-SA 3.0Long-billed Corella
The Long-billed Corella is a large white cockatoo native to southeastern Australia, easily recognized by its red-tinged face and chest and its long, pale upper bill. In the wild, it uses that long bill to dig into the ground for roots and bulbs. Known for skillfully mimicking words and phrases, it's said to be the best talker among Australia's parrots, making it a rewarding companion for owners who enjoy interactive birds. At 38–41cm in length, it's a mid-to-large parrot, and some individuals live beyond 40 years, meaning a real long-term commitment. Because of its intelligence, strong emotional expression, and loud voice, this is a bird best suited to experienced keepers.
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Long-billed Corella key facts
- Care level
- Advanced
- Lifespan
- Captive record 43 years
- Size
- 38-41 cm
- Diet
- Large-parrot pellets, seed and vegetables; in the wild it digs up roots, seeds and bulbs
- Temperament
- Known for mimicking words and sentences skilfully, it is a popular pet in Australia and suits owners who can give it time every day.
- Cage
- Use a sturdy large-parrot metal cage and provide a large room for time out, with door fastenings it cannot chew open.
- Vocalization
- It gives loud, harsh screeches, and is hard to keep in a flat without soundproofing.
- Feeding
- Combine pellets or seed with vegetables; it naturally digs for food, so foraging on the floor helps relieve boredom.
- Health & notes
- It can live more than 40 years, so plan for a lifetime, and its long bill and strong bite destroy furniture and cables, so supervise time out.
About Long-billed Corella
The Long-billed Corella is a white Australian cockatoo with a red face and chest, said to be the best talker among Australia's parrots. It grows to 38–41cm and some live beyond 40 years — a bird for experienced keepers.
7 things to know before welcoming a Long-billed Corella
1Needs a Large, Sturdy Cage
Long-billed Corellas are powerful large parrots that can bend metal or chew through weak materials, so they need a spacious cage built from sturdy materials. Be sure to provide ample out-of-cage time too, since lack of exercise can lead to stress.
2Strong Urge to Dig and Chew
In the wild, this species digs into the ground with its bill to find roots and bulbs, and that instinct carries over into captivity as a strong urge to chew and dig. Providing toys and wooden chew items helps them work off this natural drive.
3Loud Vocalizations
This is one of the louder cockatoo species, and its calls can carry a long way. If you live in an apartment or close to neighbors, you may need soundproofing or to manage the times of day it's out of its cage.
4Highly Intelligent and Talkative
The Long-billed Corella is said to be one of the best talkers among Australian parrots, and its intelligence is part of its appeal. That same intelligence means it can get bored or stressed easily, so daily interaction and mental stimulation are essential.
5Recommended for Experienced Keepers
With expressive emotions and strong demands for attention, this species suits keepers already experienced with large parrots better than first-time bird owners. Its powerful bite also makes it worth learning proper handling beforehand.
6A Long-Term Commitment
Some Long-billed Corellas live beyond 40 years, so you may end up caring for this bird for a very long time. Plan for its whole life, considering how your lifestyle might change over the coming decades, before bringing one home.
7Check Your Space and Time Before Adopting
Growing to 38–41cm in length, this is a sizeable bird that needs enough room for its cage and a safe space to fly free. Before adopting, make sure your daily schedule allows for the interaction and playtime this bird needs.
Frequently asked questions about Long-billed Corella
- Q.Are Long-billed Corellas affectionate with people?
- A.They generally bond well with people and enjoy interaction, though personality varies between individuals. How much a bird bonds with you also depends on its environment and how you interact with it.
- Q.Can beginners keep this species?
- A.Long-billed Corellas are considered difficult to keep and are best suited to experienced owners. Handling their powerful bite, loud calls, and the demands that come with their intelligence requires some prior experience.
- Q.How big do they get?
- A.Adults typically reach 38–41cm in length, making them a mid-to-large parrot species. Cage and free-flight space should be sized accordingly.
- Q.How long do they live?
- A.Some individuals live beyond 40 years, making this a long-lived bird. Prospective owners should consider whether they can commit to its care for that long and plan for its whole life.
- Q.Is the Long-billed Corella listed under CITES?
- A.Yes, it's listed under CITES Appendix II. Keep in mind that international trade rules apply when considering this species.
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