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Glossy Black-Cockatoo

Calyptorhynchus lathami

Coenraad Jacob Temminck was the first to describe the species, in 1807.

Calyptorhynchus combines the Greek kaluptos (hidden) and rhunkhos (beak), referring to the dense feathers that cover the lower mandible; lathami honours British zoologist John Latham, who was the first to scientifically name several Australian birds.

William T. Cooper, Glossy Cockatoo (Calyptorhyncus lathami) 1970 (adult female, left; adult male, right)

William T. Cooper, Glossy Cockatoo (Calyptorhyncus lathami) 1970 (adult female, left; adult male, right)

George Raper 1788

George Raper 1788

Sarah Stone, Banksian Cockatoo 1790 (adult female)

Sarah Stone, Banksian Cockatoo 1790 (adult female)

Author’s note: This image is the first published illustration of the Glossy Black-Cockatoo. Although the bird in this illustration is identified as a Banksian Cockatoo (Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo), its colouration and massive beak identify it as a (rather ruffled) Glossy Black-Cockatoo, a species not then, in 1790, known to science. The superficial similarity between the two species caused confusion among scientists for a time.