Blue-eyed Cockatoo Cacatua ophthalmica

Blue-eyed Cockatoo Cacatua ophthalmica

IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable

Location: The Blue-eyed Cockatoo is endemic to New Britain, part of Papua New Guinea’s Bismarck Archipelago. They are primarily found in the island’s eastern and central regions, inhabiting lowland and hill forests up to 1,000 metres above sea level.

The Blue-eyed Cockatoo is a striking and charismatic bird, known for their vivid blue eye rings and expressive crests. These cockatoos depend on mature forests for nesting and food but face significant threats, including habitat destruction caused by out-of-control palm oil plantations, illegal hunting, and the illegal pet trade. Conservation efforts are critical to ensure the survival of this remarkable species. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

Rapid conversion of lowland forest to oil palm plantations over the last thirty years is likely to have caused a significant loss of breeding habitat to the Blue-Eyed Cockatoo. The major oil palm companies have committed to no further forest clearance but there is a risk that smaller companies will clear forest for oil palm.

IUCN Red List

Appearance and Behaviour

The Blue-eyed Cockatoo is a medium-sized parrot, measuring about 50 centimetres in length. They are easily recognised by their white plumage, bright blue eye rings, and striking yellow-tinged crests. Highly social, they are often seen in pairs or small flocks and communicate with loud, raucous calls (Birds of the World, n.d.; BirdLife International, 2021).

Active and playful, they forage for food in the forest canopy, showcasing remarkable agility as they climb and perch. Their social bonds and intelligent behaviour make them one of the most engaging cockatoo species to observe (Bird Conservation International, 2001).

Diet

The Blue-eyed Cockatoo feeds primarily on fruits, seeds, nuts, and flowers, often foraging in large, fruiting trees. They play a crucial ecological role as seed dispersers, contributing to forest regeneration. However, deforestation has significantly reduced their access to food sources, increasing their vulnerability (IUCN, 2021; Bird Conservation International, 2001).

Reproduction and Mating

Blue-eyed Cockatoos are cavity nesters, relying on large, mature trees for nesting. They lay one to two eggs per clutch, and both parents participate in incubation and rearing the chicks. Their dependence on old-growth forests highlights the critical need to conserve these habitats (Birds of the World, n.d.; Bird Conservation International, 2001).

Geographic Range

This species is restricted to New Britain in Papua New Guinea’s Bismarck Archipelago. Their range spans the island’s eastern and central regions, where they inhabit lowland and hill forests. While they primarily rely on intact forests, they have been observed in degraded habitats with sufficient canopy cover (Bird Conservation International, 2001; IUCN, 2021).

Threats

Rapid conversion of lowland forest to palm oil plantations over the last thirty years is likely to have caused a significant loss of breeding habitat. The major oil palm companies have committed to no further forest clearance but there is a risk that smaller companies will clear forest for oil palm. Industrial logging continues, as does clearance for subsistence gardens by the growing local populations. About 35% of habitat thought to be suitable for this species was cleared in 30 years or three generations (Buchanan et al. 2008).

IUCN RED LIST

Palm oil and timber deforestation

The destruction of New Britain’s forests due to out-of-control palm oil plantations, logging, and agricultural activities is the primary threat to this species (IUCN, 2021).

Illegal Hunting

Local communities hunt these cockatoos for food, contributing to population declines (Bird Conservation International, 2001).

Illegal Pet Trade

Blue-eyed Cockatoos are highly sought after for the pet trade, where their beauty and intelligence make them valuable targets. Trapping for this trade further depletes their numbers (IUCN, 2021).

Climate Change

Shifting rainfall patterns and rising temperatures due to climate change threaten the delicate forest ecosystems they depend on.

Take Action!

The survival of the Blue-eyed Cockatoo depends on protecting their forest habitats and addressing illegal hunting and trapping. By boycotting products with palm oil, supporting indigenous-led conservation initiatives, and spreading awareness, you can help ensure a future for this species. Every effort matters. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife #Vegan

Further Information

BirdLife International. 2021. Cacatua ophthalmica (errata version published in 2022). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22728429A216251055. Accessed on 19 January 2025. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22728429/216251055

Marsden, S. J., Pilgrim, J., & Wilkinson, R. (2001). Status, abundance and habitat use of Blue-eyed Cockatoo Cacatua ophthalmica on New Britain, Papua New Guinea. Bird Conservation International, 11(3), 213–224. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259438192

eBird. n.d. Blue-eyed Cockatoo. Retrieved from https://ebird.org/species/blecoc1

Birds of the World. n.d. Blue-eyed Cockatoo. Retrieved from https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/blecoc1/cur/introduction

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