The Cockatoo: A Guide to this Intelligent and Demanding Parrot
The Cockatoo, recognizable by its erectile crest, is one of the most charismatic and intelligent birds in the world.
A Bird, Not a Shoe!
You've likely come across a Cockatoo at some point – you know, that stunning parrot with the impressive crest that stands tall when they're feeling excited or curious! These vibrant tropical birds are native to Australia and the Pacific islands, and honestly, once you get to know one, it’s easy to see why bird enthusiasts are head over heels for them.
Just a quick note – if you happen to search for this name and find yourself looking at shoes, don’t worry, you’re not losing your mind! A shoe brand decided to borrow this lovely name. But let’s focus on the real star of the show: the Cockatoo bird, a remarkable feathered friend who’s as emotionally rich as they are smart, and believe me, they won’t hesitate to share their opinions on just about everything.
Our Ornithologist's Advice
By the Les-Oiseaux.com team, published June 26, 2025.
My personal advice: Cockatoos are incredibly intelligent and emotionally complex birds. Owning one is a huge commitment – they are often called "velcro birds" due to their intense need for attention and can live for decades. Before considering a cockatoo, research thoroughly, understand their demanding vocalizations and destructive potential, and ensure you can provide several hours of daily interaction, mental stimulation, and a high-quality diet. Rehoming cockatoos is unfortunately common due to owners underestimating their needs. They are not beginner pets.
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Key Characteristics of a Cockatoo
All cockatoos share distinctive traits that set them apart from other parrots and make them so unique:
The Erectile Crest: This is their signature feature. This crest of feathers on their head rises or falls to express a wide range of emotions, from curiosity and excitement to fear or aggression. It's a clear indicator of their emotional state.
Plumage: Unlike many brightly colored parrots, cockatoos generally sport white, black, grey, or pink plumage. Some species may display touches of yellow, red, or orange on their crest or under their wings.
Powerful Beak: Their strong, hooked beak is a formidable tool, capable of cracking the hardest nuts and gnawing through tough materials. This strength necessitates appropriate toys to keep it in condition.
Feather Dust: Cockatoos produce a fine, keratinous powder that helps to maintain and waterproof their plumage. This powder is essential for their hygiene and feather health.
Remarkable Intelligence and Social Nature: Highly intelligent and curious, cockatoos are social birds that form strong bonds, often with a single person. They require a lot of attention and interaction to prevent depression or neurotic behaviors and are known to be great imitators and pranksters.
Beyond the Cockatoo: Dive into a World of Winged Wonders!
If the captivating personality and remarkable intelligence of cockatoos have fascinated you, the avian kingdom is full of other equally extraordinary creatures, each with its own charm and peculiarities. For enthusiasts of intelligent and communicative birds, the famous Grey Parrot is an unmissable stop, renowned for its incredible ability to mimic human speech and its sharp intellect. If you are drawn to larger companions with flamboyant colors and a majestic presence, the Macaw Parrot, with its powerful beak and exotic flair, will undoubtedly amaze you.
Lovers of social birds and intense affectionate bonds might find their happiness with Lovebirds, these small parrots famous for their need for companionship and displays of affection. But the world of birds is not limited to parrots alone! Let yourself also be charmed by the exotic beauty and inimitable beak of the Toucan, an arboreal bird with vibrant colors, or discover the spectacular courtship displays and extravagant plumages of the Bird-of-Paradise, true jewels of tropical forests. Each species offers a new perspective on the diversity and splendor of the avian world, inviting you to extend your exploration.
Detailed Physical Characteristics
Cockatoos are medium to large parrots, with their size varying significantly among the over 20 species. While precise measurements differ by species, here are general characteristics:
Dimensions and Weight (General)
Length: Typically ranges from 30 to 70 cm (12 to 28 inches), depending on the species. For example, a Galah is around 35 cm, while a Moluccan can reach 50 cm.
Wingspan: Can range from approximately 50 to 100 cm (20 to 39 inches).
Weight: Varies from about 300 grams (10 oz) for smaller species like the Galah, to over 1 kg (2.2 lbs) for larger species such as the Moluccan or Sulphur-crested Cockatoo.
Cockatoos are powerful fliers, using their strong wings for both short bursts and longer journeys.
Not to be confused with...
Macaw Parrot
Macaws are typically much more brightly colored than cockatoos, featuring vibrant blues, reds, yellows, and greens. They also lack the distinctive erectile crest that is a hallmark of all cockatoo species. Their beaks are often larger and more curved.
African Grey Parrots are known for their exceptional mimicry abilities. They are predominantly grey with a red tail, lacking the crest and generally monochromatic white, black, or pink plumage typical of cockatoos.
There are over 20 species of cockatoo. Here are some of the most iconic:
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita): The most iconic, large and white with a bright yellow crest.
White or Umbrella Cockatoo (Cacatua alba): Entirely white with a large white crest, known for being particularly affectionate.
Galah or Rose-breasted Cockatoo (Eolophus roseicapilla): Smaller, with grey plumage on the back and bright pink on the chest and head.
Moluccan Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis): Large and salmon-pink, with a spectacular red-orange crest.
Behavior and Personality: A Complex Bird
A cockatoo is often described as a "toddler with a bolt cutter for a face." They are extremely social, affectionate (often called "velcro birds"), and playful. However, this intelligence comes with a strong need for mental stimulation and social interaction. A bored or neglected cockatoo can develop serious behavioral problems, such as incessant screaming or feather-plucking.
Calls and Vocalizations: A Power Not to Be Underestimated
This is arguably the most critical point to understand before considering a cockatoo. Their calls are not gentle songs but extremely powerful vocalizations, capable of exceeding 120 decibels. These screams are used to communicate over long distances in their natural habitat. In captivity, they may scream out of boredom, to get attention, or for sheer pleasure. It is a sound the entire neighborhood will hear.
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The Cockatoo as a Pet: Pros and Cons
Adopting a cockatoo is a lifelong commitment that should not be taken lightly. Here are the key points to consider.
Pros
Cons
Extremely intelligent and trainable
Can be extremely loud (piercing screams)
Very affectionate and forms strong bonds
Demands a huge amount of attention (several hours daily)
Beautiful and fascinating to watch
Very high cost (purchase, cage, vet, toys)
Long lifespan (a companion for life)
Long lifespan (can outlive you)
Playful and entertaining
Can be destructive with their powerful beak
Distribution Map and Habitat
Cockatoos are primarily native to Australia, Indonesia, and the Pacific islands, inhabiting a range of environments from forests and woodlands to urban areas where food sources are abundant. Their distribution varies by species, but they are generally found in tropical and subtropical regions.
The price of a cockatoo varies greatly depending on the species, its age, and the breeder. Expect a range from $1,500 to over $5,000. The initial cost is only a fraction of the total expenses, which include a very large cage, high-quality food, destructive toys, and regular visits to an avian veterinarian.
How can you tell a male from a female cockatoo?
For most species, there is no visible sexual dimorphism. The only certain way to know the sex of a cockatoo is through a DNA test (done with a feather or a drop of blood). A tip, though not 100% reliable, exists for some species like the Umbrella Cockatoo: the female is said to have a reddish-brown iris, while the male's is very dark brown or black.
What is the difference between a cockatoo and a parrot?
A cockatoo is a type of parrot. It belongs to its own family, Cacatuidae. The main visible difference is that all cockatoos have an erectile crest, which other parrot families (like macaws or African greys) do not.
