By Bonny Burrows
Cockatoos have flocked to the Pakenham area in recent weeks to source food.
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning said higher number than usual of the sulphur-crested birds had been spotted in the region, due to the wide availability of food.
The Department’s Resource Protection and Management Program manager Suriya Vij said the bird’s diet over summer was almost entirely seed grains from stubble paddocks.
They also eat onion grass, grass runners, native tubers, and fruit, vegetable and nut crops.
“As a result of significant rainfall through spring and summer, there has been prolific grass and vegetation growth in many parts of greater Melbourne,” Ms Vij said.
“This may contribute to larger numbers of cockatoos being sighted, particularly as cockatoos naturally flock to feed.”
She said cockatoos were social in nature, forming pair bonds for breeding and large flocks in non-breeding seasons.
“Maximum flock sizes occur from late summer to April or May, when the cockatoos will disperse to smaller groups,” Ms Vij said.
