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 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.
What Defines a Cockatoo?
All cockatoos share distinctive traits that separate them from other parrots:
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: curiosity, excitement, fear, or aggression.
Plumage: Unlike many brightly colored parrots, cockatoos are generally white, black, grey, or pink.
Powerful Beak: Their strong, hooked beak is a formidable tool, capable of cracking the hardest nuts.
Feather Dust: They produce a fine, keratinous powder that helps maintain and waterproof their plumage.
Popular Cockatoo Species
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.
The Galah is one of the most colorful species in the cockatoo family.
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.
Typical cockatoo scream: listen before you adopt!
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
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the price of a Cockatoo bird?
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.
