Cocktaoos

There is debate among ornithologists on whether the Cockatiel should ge classified among the cockatoos or not.

Popular genera:

• Palm Cockatoo – Length: 32 inches
• Black Cockatoos – Length: 20-26 inches
• White Cockatoos – Length: 20 inches
• Sulphur-crested Cockatoo – Length: 14 inches
• Salmon-crested Cockatoo – Length:  20 inches
• Rose Breasted Cockatoo – Length:  15 inches
• Little Corelia – Length: 16 inches
• Umbrella Cockatoo – Length:  16-18 inches
• Leadbeater’s Cockatoo – Length:  15 inches
• Gang-Gang Cockatoo – Length:  14 inches
• Cockatiel – Length: 12 inches

Geographical Origin:  Cockatoos are native to Australia, New Guinea and its neighboring islands, eastern Indonesia, the Moluccas, and the Philippines.  Depending on their genus and species, cockatoos live on timbered mountain slopes, in rain forests, or in open forests.  In some areas, cockatoos have become a plague to farmers because they are seed-eaters and will often destroy entire fields.

Special Characteristics:  The name “cockatoo” derives from a Malayan word meaning “pliers” or “vise” and referring to the bird’s powerful beak.  cockatoos nest in large, deep holes high up in hollow trees.  In most parrot species only the female incubates the eggs, but male and female cockatoos share this chore.  The Palm Cockatoo is not only the largest of the cockatoos but also has the longest beak, 4 inches, of all the parrots.  The cockatoo’s most striking feature is its erectile crest, which it raises when excited or frightened.  The beak of the cockatoo differs from that of other parrots in that the lower mandible is wider than the upper.

Suitability As A Pet:  Cockatoos are very popular but also very demanding pets.  They are gregarious birds, and if they are kept single they will readily develop attachments to humans.  But, if they do not get the company they need, they will be unhappy and pine away.  They are usually not exclusive with their favors and wil enjoy contact with a number of people.  They want to be petted often and a lot, enjoy gestures of affection, and like to keep busy.  Theya re very affectionate and playful and can put on amusing acrobatic shows.  Because they are agile climbers, they need a tree to tumble about on; and being powerful fliers they need sufficient space to fly in.  Some very tame cockatoos have been kept in complete freedom in their owners’ yards.  Their excellent sense of direction, their attachment ot people they know, and constant vocal contact with familiar people keep them from flying away.

Cockatoos can also be kept in a large outdoor aviary equipped with a room where they can get warm and be out of the weather.  If a cockatoo kept in an aviary will not have much contact with people, it cannot be kept alone.  Cages, aviaries, and nesting boxes have to be made of extremely durable materials because the cockatoo’s powerful beak can chew through the hardest objects.  It is possible to breed cockatoos, but breeding pairs become so pugnacious, that even familiar people are not safe from attack.

Talent for Speech:  The literature on parrots is in general agreement that cockatoos are not as gifted for speech as Amazons or Grey Parrots.  Of the cockatoos, the Little Corella is reputed to be the most able talker.  Some varieties of cockatoos can shriek quite loudly.  also, they will imitate all kinds of sounds and can learn to whistle. 

Life Expectancy:  Over fifty years.

Preferred Foods:  Sunflower seeds, wheat, oats, millet, canary seed, lettuce, dandelion greens, chckweed, carrots, fruit (especially cherries) willow twigs, and other twigs to gnaw on.