Managing Corellas and Cockatoos in regional townships
Large flocks of corellas and cockatoos are a familiar sight in many regional towns. While these native birds are an important part of Victoria’s natural and cultural landscape, their seasonal presence can also create challenges for communities. Council is working with residents and state agencies to manage impacts in a responsible, non-lethal way.
During summer and early autumn, large numbers of cockatoos, including Long-billed Corellas, Little Corellas, Sulphur-crested Cockatoos and Galahs, move into towns such as Winchelsea.
This seasonal movement is driven by:
- Reliable water sources, particularly the Barwon River.
- Suitable roosting trees in and around townships.
- Changes in farming practices, with a shift from grazing to cereal cropping providing new food sources.
Autumn rainfall typically encourages birds to disperse back into the surrounding landscape.
Over the past 30 years, Long-billed and Little Corellas have expanded their population and range across Victoria, becoming common in many rural towns and parts of metropolitan Melbourne.
Protecting native wildlife
All cockatoos and corellas in Victoria are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975. It is an offence to harm, destroy, or control these birds without appropriate authorisation from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).
Corellas also hold cultural significance for Victoria’s Traditional Owners, including the Eastern Maar people.
These birds are:
- Highly intelligent
- Long-lived
- Quick to adapt to deterrents and environmental changes
This makes long-term management complex and requires carefully planned approaches.
What management actions are available to residents?
Management options within townships are limited, particularly where noise or safety is a concern.
Some deterrents recommended in the State Government’s Corella Management Strategy include:
- Big-eye balloons
- Kites resembling birds of prey
- Flashing lights
- Recorded alarm calls
- Scare guns
- Bird Frite cartridges (pyrotechnic crackers)
However:
- Noise-based deterrents are generally not suitable within town boundaries.
- EPA Noise Control Guidelines and Victoria Police regulations apply.
- Scare guns must be located at least 300 metres from dwellings.
- Deterrents must be varied regularly and often used for several weeks to be effective.
What is Council doing?
Council is actively managing corella and cockatoo impacts through a range of non-lethal measures, including:
- Cockatoo-proofing key infrastructure
- Managing and modifying vegetation to discourage roosting
- Pruning and maintaining damaged trees, particularly along the riverbank
- Cleaning up debris and damaged areas
- Installing a falcon nesting box in Winchelsea
- Working closely with the Victorian Corella Working Group, led by DEECA
Previous council actions
In the past, Council has:
- Engaged a corella management expert
- Worked with the local grain industry to improve grain storage and reduce attractants for feeding birds
- Installation of a Peregrine Falcon nesting box, built by the Winchelsea Men’s Shed
- Habitat tree modifications to large or damaged trees along the Winchelsea riverbank
- Landscape changes to reduce bare ground and open areas preferred by corellas
- Increased planting to alter bird movement patterns
Peregrine falcons naturally prey on corellas and pigeons, and their presence can discourage large flocks from gathering, helping restore balance without harming native species.