They are the largest of all cockatoos, measuring 70-80 cm in length. As with other cockatoos, they have a long crest of feathers which can be raised when the bird is excited or agitated.
Palm cockatoos at all ages also stamp their feet when scared or annoyed.
They have an extremely large, powerful curved black bill and a black-tipped, red tongue. Adults weigh 550 - 700 grams. The palm cockatoo is found in the Aru Islands, Northern Australia and New Guinea. They live singly, in pairs or in small groups. They usually perch high up in the canopy, feeding on nuts, seeds, fruits, berries and leaf buds.