Bird lovers invited to help count vulnerable Glossy black-cockatoos
Bird lovers and citizen scientists are being encouraged to help count one of inland NSW's most distinctive and vulnerable bird species during the 2026 Great Inland Glossy Count.
Since 2019, Glossy black-cockatoos have been counted across key habitat areas in the Central West with the help of enthusiastic volunteers as part of the annual Great Inland Glossy Count.
The Great Inland Glossy Count will be held over three weekends in October, with volunteers recording sightings of adult birds and juveniles across important habitat areas.
Sightings collected during the count provide valuable information to support the conservation and management of this inland population.
Rebecca Mooy from Central West Local Land Services, a partner in the Making Central Inland Glossies Great Again project, said community participation played a vital role in the success of the annual count.
"The more volunteers who take part in the annual count, the clearer our understanding of the population's size, distribution and health," Ms Mooy said.
"Whether you're an experienced birdwatcher or simply enjoy spending time in nature, this is a great opportunity to contribute to the conservation of an iconic native species."
Event Coordinator Adam Fawcett from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service said the count helps researchers better understand the inland NSW population of the species.
"Easily identified by their distinctive red tail markings, inland Glossy black-cockatoos inhabit woodland and forest areas stretching from Parkes to Narrabri," Mr Fawcett said.
"Listed as vulnerable in NSW, the species is the focus of ongoing conservation efforts across three key habitat areas: the Pilliga Forests, Goonoo National Park and Goobang National Park, as well as surrounding private lands."
2026 Great Inland Glossy Count dates
• 10 October - Pilliga Forests
• 17 October - Goonoo National Park
• 24 October - Goobang National Park
Volunteers are asked to pre-register for the count online.
Private landholders near the count areas are also encouraged to participate by recording Glossy black-cockatoos from their own properties. Landholders interested in conducting an on-farm count can register their interest by emailing rebecca.mooy@lls.nsw.gov.au.
The Making Central Inland Glossies Great Again project is a partnership between Central West Local Land Services, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Forestry Corporation of NSW and Dubbo Field Naturalists. The project is funded through the NSW Government's Saving our Species program.
More information about the project is available at Making inland glossies great again.
Media contact
For more information, please contact media@lls.nsw.gov.au