Monday, November 21, 2011

Bare Eyed Cockatoos

Length: 35-40cm/14-16 inches
Weight: 380-600 grams*
Life Span: 50-60 years
Incubation: 26 days
Age at Weaning: 12 weeks
Age at Maturity: 3-5 years
Natural Habitat: Australia and New Guinea

Bare Eyed Cockatoos seem to be happy in almost any habitat, including open grassland, mango swamps, open woodlands, scrubland and semi-desert regions. Their existence is always dependent of the nearest water supply. Out of the breeding season they can be seen in flocks numbering several thousand, and they can occasionally be seen in the company of Galahs or other Cockatoos, particularly when at a water supply.


Their diet consists of seed, fruit, berries, nuts, blossoms, roots and insects and their larvae. Birds inhabiting towns and cities have adapted to feeding from garbage tips. They are a pest to crop farmers causing considerable damage to crops. It is amazing to watch them walking along rows of newly sown corn, almost counting the steps between each grain.

They usually nest in a hollow limb or trunk of a eucalyptus tree and a normal clutch is 2 occasionally 3 eggs.

The plumage of the adult Bare Eyed Cockatoo is mostly white. Their lores are pink and their eye ring is blue, the skin beneath the eye bulges. Like a lot of Cockatoos their have a yellow wash beneath their wings and tail, this is easily seen when the bird is in flight.


Pet potential: Bare Eyed Cockatoos have a very lively outgoing and playful personality. They are full of fun and on the go all the time. They are very mischievous and inquisitive. They are quick learners and delight in performing for their owners or any audience. They can be very noisy birds and are often nippy, especially if they don't get their own way. They are not as destructive as some of the other Cockatoos but just as demanding. They often have a very good vocabulary. They need plenty of toys, especially puzzle toys, as they are very active birds who require a lot of stimulation, otherwise they can exhibit behavioural problems. They are not suitable pets for young children and because of their demanding nature and their need for constant stimulus. They are also adept at escaping and have even been known to pick locks!

Talking ability: Fair/Good
Noise level: High
Cage requirements: Minimum 3 x 2.6 x 4 foot



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