Some facts acout Cockatoos

This week we’ll discuss Cockatoos. Cockatoos are native to Australia and a wide range of South Pacific islands extending as far as the Philippines. Many have observed that these birds appear to be more active than other parrots. They are exceptionally intelligent and many are great clowns. Most Cockatoos are somewhat longer lived than other parrots – particularly the Greater Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, whose age has been documented to exceed one hundred years. Cockatoos range in size from small – the Timor Cockatoo is about 12” long to very large – the Palm Cockatoo which measures about 29”.

Cockatoos have plumage that is less colorful than other parrots – mainly white, grey or black with colorful aspects in the crest, cheeks or tail. The most distinctive visual feature of Cockatoos is the crest. Cockatoo crests range from the mundane to the exquisite. A photo of a Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo leads this entry. Galah Cockatoos have elongated crown feathers which, when erected, make the head look taller. Sulphur Crested Cockatoos have brilliant yellow plumes and are recurved (curve upward at the ends) giving these birds a somewhat impish look. Cockatoos use their crests to express themselves. A raised crest can be a greeting, alarm, express fear or excitement depending on the situation.

Cockatoos prefer to eat seeds, tubers, corms, fruit, flowers and insects. They frequently feed in very large flocks – particularly when feeding on the ground. Cockatoos are monogamous and nest in tree hollows and, in some cases, on the ground. Habitat loss has adversely affected some species while others have flourished in proximity to humans to the point of being considered agricultural pests. An interesting fact about Cockatoos – overwhelmingly they tend to be left foot dominant and they favor the eye on the foot dominant side of their body when closely inspecting an object.

Cockatoos high intelligence, strong flock attachment and higher than normal level of energy conspire to make them poorly suited to captivity. Moluccan Cockatoos vocalizations can reach 130 decibels. For your reference, airplane engines clock in at 140 decibels. Cockatoos are prone to feather destructive behavior (plucking) when bored or unhappy and, I’ve been told, Cockatoos are disproportionately represented in surrenders to rescues and sanctuaries.

Please consider volunteering at Wilton Parrot Rescue (“WPR”). WPR is an entirely volunteer organization funded solely by voluntary contributions. Regardless of your level of familiarity / comfortability with parrots you can learn about parrots while you make a contribution to the welfare of our birds, help to socialize them and, ultimately, find a good and loving home. Visit our website (www.wiltonparrotrescue.com) for more information about volunteer opportunities and a volunteer application.