Underrated animals: Palm Cockatoo

It's a bold claim, but the palm cockatoo might be the most punk-rock bird of all.

The black and scarlet parrot lives in the rainforests and woodlands of Far North Queensland, as well as the Aru Islands and New Guinea.

With a wingspan of 1.5 metres, the palm cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus) is an impressive bird, with a black mohawk and a powerful beak.

Cast your vote for Australia's most underrated animal here.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2025-08-01/science-week-underrated-australian-animal-vote/105582104

Featuring:

• Dr Christina N Zdenek, ecologist with People for Wildlife

Production:

• Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer
• Jacinta Bowler, Producer
• Rebecca McLaren, Producer
• Hamish Camilleri, Sound Engineer
• Petria Ladgrove, Executive Producer

Stream the brand-new series Dr Ann's Secret Lives on ABC iview.