Fun facts. The Red Tailed Black Cocky was the first Australian bird to be illustrated by a European back in 1770 when Captain Cook arrived on the Endeavour. Sydney Parkinson was a botanical illustrator on board and drew a bird he saw in Northern Queensland. They also have a great deal of cultural significance to our first Australians. In aboriginal groups in the Northern Territory, it's believed they guide spirits to their final resting place. Groups in the South believed they brought fire to ma