The Bird That Drums

Environmental & Science Education, STEM, Biodiversity, Nature, Wildlife

Ed Hessler

This drummer is in peril, the palm cockatoo (Probosciger atterimus)of Australia and New Guinea. That range may sound large but a look at the distribution map in the Wiki entry indicates its small range, especially in Australia. The issue is population decline, one described as severe.

The palm cockatoo is considered to be the only bird species to use tools "musically," drumming wood to attract a mate. The BBC has produced a great video (3m 15s) about the bird. 

Researchers want the bird to be declared endangered which will lead to more research as well as bppst funding to save them and prevent their extinction.