The Black Palm Cockatoo is known to have a length between 55 to 60 cm (22 to 24 in) and weighs in at 910–1,200 g (2.01–2.65 lb). Considered one of the largest cockatoo and parrot species in Australia, it may share its size with some races of yellow-tailed black cockatoos and sulphur-crested cockatoos. Its distinct features include a substantial crest and one of the largest beaks among parrots. This beak is especially useful for breaking hard nuts and seeds, and male birds even use it to drum by breaking off thick sticks from live trees. Interestingly, the male's beak tends to be larger than the female's, and the upper and lower mandibles seldom meet, allowing the tongue to hold nuts against the top mandible while the lower mandible works to open them.