Most cockatoo species are adapted to dry climates and associated vegetation. They, therefore, have developed many different social, behavioral, and physical traits, which enable them to compete in their rainforest environment. Unlike other cockatoos, palm cockatoos are not flock feeders. It is unknown if these small groups are made up of related or unrelated individuals. Pairs separate from these parties at sunset and return to their own territories.
Pairs maintain territories that include several potential nest trees.
After the female lays a single egg, it is incubated by both parents for about 30 days. It takes three to four days for the chick to hatch after pipping. In the wild, the chick is believed to be brooded primarily by the female. The chick does not emerge from the nest for 100 to 110 days, the longest nestling period known for any parrot species. Palm cockatoos are long lived, highly specialized feeders with a slow reproductive rate.