The Major Mitchell's cockatoo (Lophochroa leadbeateri) is named after Major Sir Thomas Mitchell, who was a surveyor and explorer of South-East Australia during the 1800s. Also known as Leadbeater's cockatoo or pink cockatoo, is a medium-sized cockatoo restricted to arid and semi-arid inland areas of Australia. Their main requirements are fresh surface water and trees that have large hollows for nesting. This beautiful cockatoo’s most distinctive feature is its white tipped crest, which is banded red and yellow at the base. The wings are generally white with a darker pink underside. During the mating season, males attract females by strutting along branches bobbing their heads with their crests raised. Adult pairs mate for life and return to the same breeding grounds year after year. When brooding, the male Major Mitchell's cockatoo usually sits during the day and the female at night.
