A remarkable bird with strikingly unusual plumage has become an online sensation after being spotted and photographed in a nature reserve within the Australian Capital Territory. The bird, a Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo exhibiting a rare genetic condition, displays predominantly yellow feathers instead of the species' characteristic black.
A Stunning Discovery in the Bush
Eleanor Cotterell, a healthcare worker and avid birdwatcher from Tuggeranong, made the extraordinary find. While searching for Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos in a southern ACT nature reserve in December 2025, she heard their calls and investigated. Among a flock of 10 to 15 birds, one individual stood out dramatically due to its luminous yellow colouring, which was especially visible in the overcast conditions.
"I was totally amazed by its appearance," Cotterell said. She managed to capture a few photographs before the group flew away, later sharing the images with the National Parks Association of the ACT. To protect the bird from excessive attention, she has chosen not to disclose the precise location of the sighting.
The Science Behind the Sunshine Colour
The bird's unique appearance is not due to albinism but a condition known as leucism. Canberra Birds president Kim Farley explained that leucism is a natural, typically genetic condition that reduces pigment in feathers, fur, or skin. It occurs across many species.
"This particular bird looks to be in fine form - healthy and alert. Leucistic birds are not normally shunned by their species and appear to live normal lives," Farley stated. This assessment was supported by additional photographs received by the association, taken by an anonymous photographer in November 2024. These images showed the yellow cockatoo foraging on the ground and socialising normally with others of its kind.
From Social Media Sensation to 'Limoncello'
After the National Parks Association of the ACT posted Cotterell's photos on its Facebook page, the response was overwhelming. The post garnered 28,000 likes and was shared 2,600 times, captivating bird lovers and the general public alike.
Kelly Allison, an association employee, bestowed the beautiful bird with the fitting nickname Limoncello, after the vibrant yellow Italian lemon liqueur. "We wanted something that was right for a bird that spectacular," Allison said.
The public fascination with Limoncello echoes a similar event from 2013, when an albino kangaroo spotted in the ACT's Namadgi National Park made global headlines. These rare occurrences highlight the public's enduring wonder at the unique variations found in Australian wildlife.
