The sulphur-crested cockatoo, one of the larger species of the Australian cockatoos, is an excellent bird with a marvelous appearance and unique characteristics. It has derived its name due to the sulphur-yellow crest. Although its origin is rooted in Australia, presently, this is a common bird to be seen in Papua New Guinea, Palau, New Zealand, and Indonesia.
Sulphur Crested Cockatoo
Scientific Classification |
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| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Cacatuidae |
| Genus | Cacatua |
| Subgenus | Cacatua |
| Scientific Name | Cacatua galerita |
Quick Information |
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| Other names | White Cockatoo |
| Size | 17-21 in( 43-53 cm) |
| Weight | 700-950 gm |
| Color | White plumage with a grayish black bill and gray legs, yellow crest and light yellow tail and under part of wings. Males exhibit black eyes, while females have brown or red eyes. |
| Distribution | Australia |
| Subspecies |
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| Habitat | Open woodland and urban areas |
| Sound | Screeching and mimicking |
| Clutch | 2-3 eggs |
| Incubation period | 25-27 days |
| Fledging | Around 70 days |
| Lifespan | 30-40 years |
| Diet | Seeds, berries, roots and nuts |
| IUCN Conservation Status | Least Concern |
As pets
Sulphur-crested cockatoos with their love for human association make an excellent pet for bird lovers. But, before owning one, ensure you have sufficient time and friendly neighbors as these loud birds crave attention all the time.
Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Nest
Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Images
Housing
For this large cockatoo provide a cage sizing 27X27X39 inches with some perches. If possible, you can arrange for larger cage since these birds love to spread their wings and climb to the top. The cage should be made of strong materials like steel with a good latch, ensuring the confinement of your pet.
Temperature
Sulphur-crested cockatoos can endure a wide range of temperatures, still, it is best to provide an average room temperature.
Greater Sulphur Crested Cockatoo
Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Baby
Behavior
These agile and energetic birds are always busy playing inside or outside the cage. They love to be pampered by their master all the time, in lack of which they may turn hostile and pluck their feathers rapidly. But with training, you can reduce their self-destructive and biting proclivity.
They have an amusing power of imitating human sounds and using them properly while interacting with their owners. They require mental stimulating games to avoid boredom.
While their raised crest indicates aggression, the rested crest mirrors their calm mood.
Feeding
Feed your pet fresh vegetables, fruits, and pellets. Once in a while, you may give it fish and chicken. For ensuring the calcium intake, include calcium block or cuttlebone to its diet.
Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Bird
Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Flock
Care
Spend as much time as possible with your pet, as this will make it feel happy and gay.
Keep your pet in a hygienic atmosphere by sanitizing the entire cage, toys, and perches daily. Bathe it weekly with fresh water.
Health problems
Intestinal problems like coccidiosis or inflammation, respiratory ailments, psittacine beak and feather disease are common things that trouble sulphur-crested cockatoos mostly. If such things happen, a proficient vet is the one to look for.
Price
The price of a sulphur-crested cockatoo ranges from $500-$1,000.
Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Flying
Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Pictures
Interesting facts
- The famous sulphur-crested cockatoo from Sydney, known as Cocky Bennett lived more than 100 years.
- As per a study conducted in 2009 on a sulphur-crested cockatoo known as Snowball, scientist found out that this species can actually understand and reciprocate rhythms, with 17 different dance styles.
Video: Sulphur-crested cockatoo talking
References
