umbrella cockatoos

Length: 40-50cm/16-20 inches
Weight: 450-800 grams
Life span: 50-70 years
Incubation: 28-30 days
Age at weaning: 16-24 weeks
Age at maturity: 3-5 years
Natural habitat: Central and Northern Moluccans, Indonesia

The Umbrella Cockatoo occurs in the lowland and hill forest up to 600m. Unlike the Moluccan the Umbrella seems to prefer secondary growth habitats. Umbrella Cockatoos spend most of their time in the canopy in pairs or small parties. At dusk they gather in groups of up to 50 to roost in large trees. Their white plumage and loud screeching call making them very conspicuous.

They feed on fruit, nuts, seed, berries and insects and their larvae. They are especially fond of insect larvae when they have chicks in the nest.

They nest in hollows in trees, or if they can, the top of a rotten tree. A normal clutch is 2 eggs, occasionally 3 and both the parents incubate them. Breeding occurs in April.


The Umbrella Cockatoo is all white, with a light yellow wash under their wings and tail, their crest is large and fan shaped. Their beak and legs are black.


Pet potential: The Umbrella Cockatoos are perhaps the most cuddly and physically affectionate parrots on the planet. While most people would find this endearing at first but they soon learn that these birds are perhaps also the most demanding birds on the planet. They would be sewn to your hip if it was a possibility. What they lack in talking ability they make up for in intelligence as these are birds who can readily learn commands and tricks. They have very loud voices and if mishandled they will scream for attention. They are also prone to plucking if mishandled or ignored.


Talking ability: Poor


Noise level: Very high

Cage requirements: Minimum 3 x 4 x 5 foot

sulphur crested cockatoos

Length: 44cm/17 inches
Weight: 550-600 grams
Life Span: 50+ years
Incubation: 28 days
Age at Weaning: 14 weeks
Age at Maturity: 2 -3 years
Natural Habitat: Aru Islands, Indonesia

Medium Sulphur Crested Cockatoos seem to be happy anywhere where there are trees, from forests and open woodland to partially cleared areas and arid areas with stands of trees. They can normally be seen in pairs or small flocks and, occasionally, in larger flocks near fruiting trees. They tend to roost in tall trees on the forest edge and at dawn they can be heard screeching loudly as they fly off to the nearest water.

Their diet consists of seeds, fruit, berries, nuts, buds, flowers as well as insects and their larvae. They also regularly visit cultivated areas where they cause considerable damage to farmers crops.

They nest in hollows in tall trees, normally near water. A normal clutch is 2, occasionally 3, eggs. The young will start to leave the nest at around 10 weeks, their parents will continue to feed the young until they are fully weaned at around 12-13 weeks.

The Medium Sulphur Crested Cockatoo is predominantly white. Their ear coverts are pale yellow, and their crest is also yellow. Their under wing coverts and under tail coverts are white washed with yellow, and the base of their throat and their cheek feathers are yellowish The skin to their periophthalmic ring is whitish, occasionally with a very faint blue tinge. Their legs and feet are a dark grey and their bill is blackish. The only difference with the sexes is the iris's of the male are blackish brown and the iris's of the female are reddish brown, though all immature birds have brown iris's.

Pet potential: Medium Sulphur Crested Cockatoos are highly intelligent birds and they require much attention from their owners. They are also very destructive and need to be given lots of fresh branches to chew, and toys to play with, to keep them occupied. As with all Cockatoo's they need a routine from day one, without this routine they will quickly resort to screaming for attention. They are not really known for their talking ability but they will learn a few words however, they can easily be taught tricks and they love interactive toys, these will keep them occupied for ages. They are not a beginners bird and if they are not given the right conditions they will start plucking. It's worth noting that the most rescued birds are Cockatoo's by a very large margin. They are extremely noisy and are unsuitable for anyone with close neighbours. As with all of the large Cockatoos a lot of research should be done before committing yourself to one of these beautiful birds.


Talking ability: Poor


Noise level: Extremely High


Cage requirements: Minimum 3 x 4 x 5 foot

Slender billed cockatoos

Common Names:
Slender-Billed Cockatoos, Long-Billed Cockatoos, Long-Billed Corellas

Scientific Name:
Cacatua tenuirostris.

Origin:
Australia.

Size:

Slender-Billed Cockatoos are large birds, measuring between 18-20 inches in length from the beak to the tip of the tail feathers.

Average Lifespan:
Up to 50 years and beyond.

Colors:
Slender-Billed Cockatoos are mostly white, with patches of bright pink on the face and neck. The feathers of the wings and tail are white, with pale yellow undersides. They have gray legs and a grayish-white beak.
Feeding:
Like all Cockatoos, Slender-Billed Cockatoos are prone to weight gain, so owners should monitor their fat intake. A healthy diet for a pet Slender-Billed Cockatoo should consist of high quality pellets, a moderate amount of seed mix, and daily helpings of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Exercise:
Slender-Billed Cockatoos need plenty of exercise in order to remain healthy. Owners should make sure that their birds get a minimum of 3-4 hours outside of the cage each day, to stretch their muscles and play. This will ensure that the bird maintains peak mental and physical health.
Slender-Billed Cockatoos as Pets:
Slender-Billed Cockatoos may be overlooked by many bird lovers, but these birds have charming, endearing personalities that have increased their popularity as pets in recent years.

Don't buy a Slender-Billed Cockatoo unless you want an affectionate pet. These birds crave interaction with their owners, and require daily handling and socialization to maintain their emotional health. Slender-Billed Cockatoos that feel neglected will sometimes resort to destructive behavior, so it's very important that potential owners make sure they have plenty of time to spend with one before bringing a Slender-Billed Cockatoo home.

Being large birds, the Slender-Billed Cockatoos require a large cage. To keep one comfortably, the minimum cage size for a Slender-Billed Cockatoo should be 3ft. x 3ft. x 3ft., but larger is always better. Many Cockatoo owners also find it convenient to invest in a parrot playstand that can be moved from room to room these birds love to spend time near their owners!

Before you buy a Slender-Billed Cockatoo, contact local breeders to see if you can spend some time with them and their birds. Talking to someone experienced in keeping Slender-Billed Cockatoos will help you decide if they are the right species for you.

Rose Breasted cockatoos

Alternative Name
Rose-Breasted Cockatoo, Roseate Cockatoo, Galah Cockatoo, Pink and Grey Scientific Name: Elopholus roseicapillus

Basic Info
At maturity, Rose Breasted Cockatoos are about 35 centimeters long and weigh around 350 grams. Their feathers are soft and down-like, making petting time as enjoyable for the petter as it is for the pet. Generally, Rose-breasted Cockatoos are pink, with shades varying from carnation pink to fuchsia pink. The nape, forehead, lores and crown are generally a white-pink shade, while the legs, upper abdomen, neck and chest are deep, dark pink. Rose Breasted Cockatoos have pearl gray wings, tails and backs. The secondary flight coverts, the upper tail coverts, the rump, the abdomen, and the vent are all whitish gray. The feet are dark gray and the beak is horn colored. The irises of Rose Breasted Cockatoos are dark except in females, and the periopthalmic ring is rose-colored or gray, depending upon which of two subspecies your bird belongs to. In the wild, Rose Breasted Cockatoos live for around 20 years; in captivity, they live 70 or 80 years.

Health
Because Rose Breasted Cockatoos are prone to tumors, it is essential that they have balanced, lowfat diets and lots of exercise. Never offer avocado as food, because it may kill your bird! Be sure your Rosie has many chew toys, as they are prone to boredom and chewing their own feathers. They should be wormed regularly. Occasionally, wild-caught Rose Breasted Cockatoos may become unpredictable at maturity. Rose Breasted Cockatoos are quieter than most Cockatoos, but by that comparison, this is still quite noisy! Breeding Rose Breasted Cockatoos mate for life. They reach sexual maturity at two to three years of age, and they breed very well in captivity. In the wild, the mating season begins with the rainy season. Birds build leaf, twig lined nests in hollow eucalyptus trees, and mating displays include short flights. In captivity, your Rose-breasted Cockatoo should have a softwood nesting box so that they can chew on it, as the wood chewing helps induce breeding. An average clutch contains two to five eggs, which will incubate for a month. Rose-breasted Cockatoos have broad, elliptical, slightly glossy eggs. The fledgling period lasts around two months. Before and during breeding, it is best to supplement your Rose Breasted Cockatoos with extra animal protein and sprouted seeds. Females are recognized by the lightness of their irises when compared to the dark or black irises of males.

The Rose Breasted Cockatoo or Galah as it is called in Australia is extremely popular as a pet and has managed to adapt to the loss of its habitat. These birds simply changed their diets and now live on farmland rather than on wild-found food, no doubt to the dismay of the encroaching farmers. Because of their social nature, Rose Breasted Cockatoos or Rosies as they are affectionately called, make loving pets. In the wild, they live in flocks of up to a few hundred birds. While they traditionally feed on seed in open grasslands and savannahs, Rose Breasted Cockatoos have adapted to the farms that swallowed up their natural habitat. They see it simply as an opportunity for easy feed, much to ranchers' and farmers' irritation. They tend to forage on the ground during the cooler hours of the day, and sleep during the hot hours in the treetops. The night finds Rose-breasted Cockatoos roosting in eucalyptus trees. These birds are well adapted to drought situations, and need little water or moist food. Rose Breasted Cockatoos are good scavengers and seem to adapt well to changes in their environment. Rose Breasted Cockatoos can chew through almost anything, so they should have some chew toys among their other toys. They are very smart and love to keep your company or learn tricks. They seem to prefer running and climbing to flying. Rose-breasted Cockatoos are good talkers, though males are reported to be better talkers than females. These are affectionate birds that love to give kisses; even wild-caught birds have been known to be quite affectionate. Rose-breasted Cockatoos do fine in aviaries that are five meters by one and two tenths meters by two meters in dimension. They will need a nesting box to hide in, in case they feel stressed or sleepy. Be sure to provide your Rose Breasted Cockatoo with leaves or paper shreds so it can comfortably arrange its nesting box and feel perfectly at home there. Rosies will also need to be kept warm in winter. If males are not paired or socialized early, they may become territorial and aggressive. Captive bred birds make more affectionate and healthier pets than wild-caught birds.

Origin
Australia

History
Rose Breasted Cockatoos are native to Australia, where they destroy crops and are considered to be pests in many regions. In the past some areas distributed culling licenses, though this is no longer practiced. As pets, Rose Breasted Cockatoos are quite popular. They are affectionate, smart, and can talk quite well. As always, captive-bred birds make better pets than wild-caught birds. Today it is illegal to take a Rose Breasted Cockatoo from the wild.

Common Foods
In captivity, they should be provided with a variety of fruits, legumes, and vegetables, in addition to fresh water and a good basic seed mix or pellet food. It has been reported that they also eat mall amounts of meat.

Moluccan cockatoos

Length: 40-50cm/16-20 inches
Weight: 700-1000 grams
Life span: 50-60 years
Incubation: 28 days
Age at weaning: 16 weeks
Age at maturity: 3-5 years
Natural habitat: Indonesia and Southern Moluccas

Little is known about the Moluccan Cockatoo in the wild. It is quite common in coastal areas and considered to be a pest by coconut plantation farmers, where it frequently damages the young trees. The Moluccan Cockatoo has a distinctive flight, a few rapid wing beats followed by a glide, usually accompanied by a shrill shriek which makes it quite conspicuous.

They nest in hollows in trees, which the line with wood chips, and a normal clutch is 2 eggs.

The plumage of the adult Moluccan Cockatoo is mostly white, though their feathers do look like they have had a very light wash on pink over them. This is more noticeable under their wings and tail. When their crest is down it looks all white but when raised salmon pink under feathers become noticeable. Their eye rings are a very pale blue and their iris's black. Their beak is a dark grey and their legs are grey.


Pet potential: the Moluccan is one of the nosiest of all Cockatoos. Its deafening screech can go on for hours, so these birds should not be kept as pets if you have close neighbours. They are also one of the most affectionate of all the Cockatoos, they like nothing more than snuggling up with their owners. Unfortunately this is also their downfall, their need for attention, if cultivated by the owner, leads to incessant screaming for attention the minute they are left alone. They are very intelligent birds, and with the right sort of handling, they can make excellent pets but it has to be said that in the hands of the inexperienced these birds can develop serious phobic behaviours, often plucking themselves. Even worse some birds will pick holes into their chests, sometimes so deep that they will never heal. They are one of the dustiest of all the Cockatoos and need showering every day. They are not a pet for the novice bird keeper.


Talking ability: Fair


Noise level: Loud


Cage requirements: Minimum 3 x 4 x 5 foot

major mitche's cockatoos

size
Height is 12 inches; weight is 10 ounces

Range
Australian Outback

Habitat
Grasslands and light woodlands of central Australia

Lifestyle
Major Mitchell’s cockatoos are birds of the Australian Outback. They are nomadic and follow the rains and are opportunistic breeders whenever conditions are right and food is plentiful. They mature at about 5 years old and form permanent pair bonds. Major Mitchell’s cockatoos nest in cavities, usually in eucalyptus trees. As Major Mitchell’s cockatoos do not flock, they been les persecuted in Australia than have other cockatoos that destroy crops.

Food
Seeds, grains and fruit

Life Cycle
The female lays about three eggs that are incubated for 30 days. Both parents feed the chicks by regurgitating food directly into the chicks’ beaks. The chicks first leave the nest at 8 weeks old and stay with the parents until the start of the next breeding season.

Some of My Neighbors (IN THE WILD)
Budgerigars, other cockatoo species, emus, kangaroos

Population Status & Threats
The species is hard to monitor in the wild. The population appears to be declining, but the reasons for this are not well understood. However, many parts of their range are increasingly becoming near-desert.

Groffin's cockatoos

Length: 27-33cm/11-13 inches
Weight: 250-325 grams
Life span: 35-40 years
Incubation: 30 days
Age at weaning: 12-16 weeks
Age at maturity: 2-3 years
Natural habitat: Tanimbar Islands Indonesia

Like most of the Cockatoos from the Indonesian Islands not a lot is known about the habitat of the Goffin Cockatoo in the wild. They are typically birds of the coastal lowland forests and up to 300 birds have been recorded in flocks. Their flocks enter farmland to raid crops and they cause considerable damage to the crops, especially maize. They are a noisy, conspicuous birds and are more usually seen in small flocks or pairs during the breeding season. They can be quite vocal at night and when displaying they raise their crests and strut about shrieking.

They feed in the treetops on seeds, nuts, berries, fruit, blossoms and insects and their larvae as well as raiding maize crops.


They nest in hollows in tress and a normal clutch is 2-3 eggs. Both the male and the female birds share the incubation of the eggs.


The plumage of the adult Goffin's Cockatoo is white with distinct pink suffusion on their lores, cheeks and ear coverts. The base of their body feathers are pinkish and their underwing and undertail is a washed yellow colour. Their beak is a greyish white and their legs greyish.

Pet potential: The Goffin Cockatoo is a very active and playful bird. They can be very destructive but due to their smaller stature they can't destroy large things very easily. Because of their playfulness they need many toys to stimulate them, this is important as feather plucking can result from the bird being bored. They enjoy time out of the cage and make a wonderful Cockatoo for those who can spend 100% of their time with their bird. They are not typically aggressive and can be quite cuddly at times.

Talking ability: Poor

Noise level: Moderate to loud

Cage requirements: Minimum 2.6 x 2.6 x 4 foot