The Moluccan cockatoo, originating in Indonesia, is one of the largest of white cockatoos. Usually, females are larger than males, and they are all monogamous by nature. Presently their numbers are rapidly decreasing in the wild due to their habitat loss.
Moluccan Cockatoo
Scientific Classification |
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| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Superfamily | Cacatuoidea |
| Family: | Cacatuidae |
| Subfamily | Cacatuinae |
| Tribe: | Cacatuini |
| Genus | Cacatua |
| Subgenus | Cacatua |
| Scientific Name | Cacatua moluccensis |
Quick Information |
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| Other names | Salmon-Crested Cockatoo |
| Size | 17.8-19.6 inches( 46 -50 cm) |
| Wingspan | 38 – 42 inches (96-106cm) |
| Weight | 640-1025 grams |
| Color | White and rose pink body, red-orange crest, yellow underside of tail feathers and underwings, black bill and feet. Males exhibit dark brown to black eyes and females exhibit brown to burgundy eyes. |
| Distribution | Maluku Islands of Indonesia |
| Habitat | Lowland forests |
| Sounds & calls | Screaming and shrieking; poor mimicking ability |
| Clutch size | 2-3 eggs |
| Incubation | Over 1 month |
| Fledging | 3 months |
| Breeding season | Once a year within December to March |
| Breeding age | Around 3 years |
| Lifespan | 50-65 years; sometimes 70 years |
| Diet | Fruits, nuts, and seeds |
| IUCN Conservation Status | Vulnerable |
Moluccan Cockatoo Images
Moluccan Cockatoo Pictures
As pets
Owning a Moluccan cockatoo is a time-consuming affair since it needs to stay in a constant association with its owner to be in a jovial state. Also, its loud screaming might put you in awkward situations if you live in apartments, so unless you have friendly neighbors and enough time in hands, adopting this bird is not your cup of tea.
Housing
A steel cage painted with non-toxic colors with a size of minimum 2 ft. x 2 ft. x 3 ft is ideal for your cockatoo. The bar spacing should be of ½ inch, making it convenient for the bird to climb as it wishes. The cage should also be free from any possible obstruction for its wings’ movement.
Temperature
Ensure a moderate temperature for your bird and do not expose it to direct sunlight for too long.
Baby Moluccan Cockatoo
Wild Moluccan Cockatoo
Behavior
If it is happy and content in its owner’s association, it profusely offers unconditional love to the owner with an urge of being cuddled, in a lack of which it may turn aggressive or depressed to the point of self-mutilation. They are also agile and inquisitive, always eyeing for chewing toys and getting out of the cage.
Their crest perfectly mirrors their moods as a raised crest implies the bird is either aggressive or frustrated and a lowered crest stands for its agreeable state of mind.
Feeding
Fresh fruits and vegetables along with dietary supplements are needed. Fatty foods like nuts and seeds should be given in moderation.
Care
The thumb rule of having a buoyant Moluccan cockatoo is to always keep up with its level of energy. Involve your bird in stimulating activities and let it spend at least three to four hours outside the cage in a secure area. Also, never deprive it of your company and attention. Always be watchful of its activities as this bird makes an excellent escape artist.
Health problems
Some of the common problems that a Moluccan cockatoo is susceptible to are – psittacine beak and feather disease, bumblefoot, fatty liver disease, obesity, lipomas, diarrhea. Ensure to provide a professional help for a quick recovery.
Moluccan Cockatoos
Moluccan Cockatoo Bird
Price
For unweaned birds, the price range is around $1,699 which increases up to $2,199 for weaned birds.
Interesting fact
- This highly emotional bird often goes into serious depression if it gets separated from its partner.
Video: Moluccan Cockatoo Dancing
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