The Goliath Palm Cockatoo is one of the most striking parrots in the world. In addition to their impressive size, their unusual coloring and regal crest make them incredible to behold. It is unusual for a cockatoo because it has grayish-black plumage and red cheeks. Their cheeks may become even redder looking when they get excited. This parrot is very similar in appearance to the Palm Cockatoo (P. a. aterrimus), but it is considerably larger, averaging 27 inches (68 centimeters) at maturity. Their wingspans are equally impressive, measuring 14 to 15.9 inches (35.5 to 40.5 centimeters). Their erect crest is quite beautiful, consisting of curved backward rising feathers. They have dark brown eyes and red tipped black tongues. They also have very large bills, which are much larger than most cockatoos. It almost resembles the bill of a large macaw. Males and females are similar in appearance, except the female has a shorter upper mandible than the male. The upper mandible is also the best way to distinguish juveniles from adults. In the immature individuals it is pale, while in adults it is black.
The Goliath Palm Cockatoo is one of the most striking parrots in the world. In addition to their impressive size, their unusual coloring and regal crest make them incredible to behold. It is unusual for a cockatoo because it has grayish-black plumage and red cheeks. Their cheeks may become even redder looking when they get excited. This parrot is very similar in appearance to the Palm Cockatoo (P. a. aterrimus), but it is considerably larger, averaging 27 inches (68 centimeters) at maturity. Their wingspans are equally impressive, measuring 14 to 15.9 inches (35.5 to 40.5 centimeters). Their erect crest is quite beautiful, consisting of curved backward rising feathers. They have dark brown eyes and red tipped black tongues. They also have very large bills, which are much larger than most cockatoos. It almost resembles the bill of a large macaw. Males and females are similar in appearance, except the female has a shorter upper mandible than the male. The upper mandible is also the best way to distinguish juveniles from adults. In the immature individuals it is pale, while in adults it is black.