Cockatoo Parrot - The most intelligent and emotional parrot in the world

Cockatoos are intelligent, expressive parrots, known for their large crests, loud whistles, and ability to interact well with their owners.

Cockatoos parrot are one of the most intelligent and emotional parrots and can interact with their owners like a true friend. With their colorful feathers, distinctive large crests and loud, far-reaching calls like “sirens”, these parrots are increasingly popular and loved by pet birds. More interestingly, Cockatoos can also get angry, jealous and even “act” to attract the attention of their owners, so they are also known as “mischievous children with wings”.

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Origin and distribution of Cockatoo Parrots

Two Cockatoos with impressive crests.

Cockatoos are parrots that are limited to Oceania and Southeast Asia, including Australia, Indonesia. Philippines, Papua New Guinea East Timor and the Solomon Islands. And they do not occur naturally in regions such as the Americas, Europe or Africa.

Cockatoos are typically found only in tropical rainforests, eucalyptus forests, wooded savannas, or occasionally rural areas near residential areas.

From the 18th - 19th century, Cockatoo was introduced to Europe and North America as a noble pet. Currently, they have become one of the most popular parrot species worldwide thanks to their intelligence and affection.

However, due to deforestation, habitat loss and illegal trade, the number of Cockatoos in the wild is decreasing. Some species such as the Yellow-crested Cockatoo and Philippine Cockatoo are on the brink of extinction.

Popular Cockatoo Breeds

Below are some popular Cockatoo parrot lines on the pet bird market, let's learn more.

Moluccan Cockatoo (Rose-crested Cockatoo)

Image of a moluccan cockatoo with its distinctive pink crest.

The Moluccan Cockatoo, also known as the Pink-crested Cockatoo, is native to the Indonesian archipelago. It is a parrot with elegant, beautiful colors, loyal, friendly temperament, always in need of care and attention. Some basic characteristics of this parrot are as follows:

• Color : Fur is light pinkish white.
• Crest : Large, deep orange-pink crest.
• Appearance : Large black beak, bright eyes, grey legs.
• Size : 45 - 52 cm
• Weight : 700 - 1000g
• Temperament : Affectionate, loyal, close.

This parrot species is currently protected by CITES – Appendix I, which prohibits illegal import and export.

Cockatoo galah (Grey Rose-ringed Cockatoo)

A Cockatoo galah parrot with a super beautiful appearance.

The Galah Cockatoo, also known as the Rose-Grey Cockatoo, is a parrot native to Australia. The name “Galah” also comes from the Australian Aboriginal language. They have the following characteristics:

• Size : 35 - 38 cm
• Weight : 250 - 350 g
• Color : Head, chest, abdomen are bright pink, back and wings are silver gray.
• Crest : Small, light pink.
• Personality : Smart, friendly, quite humorous.
• Conservation status : Not threatened, very common in Australia.

Sulphur Cockatoo (Yellow-crested Cockatoo)

Sulphur Cockatoo with beautiful yellow crest.

The sulphur cockatoo, also known as the yellow-crested cockatoo, is native to Australia, New Guinea, and eastern Indonesia. They have the following characteristics:

• Size : 45 - 50 cm
• Weight : 800 - 1000g
• Color : Snow white feathers, long bright lemon yellow crest, black or dark brown eyes, black, hard beak.
• Personality : Intelligent, active, curious.
• Conservation status : Not listed as endangered, very common in Australia.

Umbrella Cockatoo

An umbrella Cockatoo with a large, beautiful crest.

The umbrella cockatoo, also known as the umbrella cockatoo, originates from Indonesian islands such as North Maluku, Halmahera,... The name "umbrella" comes from its long, pure white feathers that can spread out like an umbrella.

• Size : 45 - 50 cm
• Weight : 500 - 700g
• Color : The whole body is pure white, some have light yellow on the branches and tail.
• Crest : Long, wide like an umbrella, long, smooth, fluffy feathers.
• Eyes : Males are black, females are reddish brown.
• Temperament : Affectionate, likes to be petted and hugged.
• Conservation status : Classified as vulnerable, exploitation and international trade are strictly prohibited without special permission.

Characteristics and behaviors of Cockatoo Parrots

Image of Cockatoo parrot spreading its wings.

Right below, we have compiled details about the habits and typical behaviors of Cockatoo parrots. Let's take a look to better understand this beautiful and intelligent parrot species!

Very smart

Cockatoos are also one of the most intelligent parrots in the world. They are good at mimicry, problem solving and learning very quickly.

They can play simple games like unlocking bells, training commands and even imitating surrounding sounds. Some Cockatoo breeds are also very good at remembering the faces of their owners.

Affection, attachment

Cockatoos are very affectionate birds that need a lot of interaction and bonding with their owners. Without enough interaction, they can become bored, depressed and even scream uncontrollably. They can even get jealous when they see their owners being intimate with other people.

Loud cry, clear expression

Most species of Cockatoo have very loud calls - this is how they communicate with each other in the wild. Some species such as the Moluccan or Umbrella Cockatoo have very high-pitched calls that can be heard far away, so they are not suitable for keeping in apartments or closed spaces.

In addition, Cockatoos also have very distinct expressions through actions such as raising their crests, shaking their heads, flapping their wings or even screaming.

Very active

Cockatoos love to exercise, especially climbing, dancing, or even swaying to music. So you need to spend a lot of time exercising and playing with this parrot, otherwise it will feel bored and stressed.

Know how to express emotions, like to "act deeply"

Cockatoos can express many emotions such as happiness, sadness, anger, resentment, etc. In addition, they are also very good at "acting", especially when scolded, they can appear "obedient" and try to please their owner.

Some Cockatoo breeds can even pretend to be in pain or fall to attract other people's attention, how cool is that?

Sustainable pairing

In the wild, Cockatoos are very loyal parrots, they tend to mate for life. They can even be jealous and possessive towards their mate.

How to raise Cockatoo Parrots in detail for beginners

A Cockatoo is perched on the fence.

Below is a detailed guide on how to raise a Cockatoo for those who are new to bird keeping and do not have much experience. Let's learn more to successfully raise this beautiful, intelligent parrot.

Choosing the right Cockatoo breed

Cockatoo has many different breeds and not all species are suitable for inexperienced breeders. Below are a few suitable options for you, let's find out now to choose a satisfactory parrot, easy to raise, easy to adapt.

• Cockatoo Galah (gray pink) : Lively, easy to get along with, adaptable, moderate vocalization.
• Sulphur Cockatoo : Intelligent, playful but requires a lot of training.
• Cockatoo Umbrella : Relatively easy to raise, affectionate, clingy but prone to stress.

Moluccan Cockatoos are not recommended because they are very noisy, loud and “difficult”, not suitable for beginners.

Prepare cages and living space

After choosing the right Cockatoo breed, you need to design a reasonable and optimal cage and living space so that the parrot can quickly adapt to captivity and develop best. Please note the following.

• Cage size : Minimum 90 x 90 x 120 cm, the larger the cage the better.
• Cage bar distance : 2 - 2.5 cm to prevent the parrot from getting its head or beak stuck.
• Cage location : Place in a place with natural light and ventilation but avoid strong drafts and direct sunlight.
• Necessary equipment : Design 3 - 4 perches made of natural wood. Add chew toys, food trough, clean water, and litter tray.

What do Cockatoos eat?

To help your Cockatoo grow best, have less illness, and live longer, you need to provide a scientific diet, specifically as follows:

• Main food : Mixed seeds for large parrots, millet, oats, sunflower seeds.
• Supplemental foods : Apples, bananas, pears, oranges, carrots, broccoli, bell peppers,...
• Drinking water : Need to provide enough, change daily.
• Foods to avoid : Chocolate, coffee, salty and sweet foods,...

Parrot hygiene care

To keep your Cockatoo looking shiny and fragrant, you need to take care of it regularly. Specifically as follows:

• Bath : 2-3 times/week with mist spray, avoid water in nose and eyes.
• Nail clipping : Should be done by a veterinarian.
• Cage cleaning : Empty the litter tray every day, clean the cage 1-2 times/week.

Training and interaction every day

As shared above, you need to interact with Cockatoo every day if you don't want them to feel bored and stressed. Specifically as follows:

• Every day, take 1-2 hours to let the parrot out of the cage to interact or train.
• Should use toys such as stuffing seeds into boxes, opening lids, tearing paper,...
• Basic training such as name, turning head, jumping on hands, picking up objects.
• During training, rewards should be used to encourage morale.

Some common problems in Cockatoos and how to prevent them

Below are some common problems in Cockatoo parrots, you can learn more to know how to handle them.

How much does a Cockatoo cost?

If you want to raise a Cockatoo parrot but don't know the price, whether it is suitable for your economic conditions, please refer to the following price list:

Note:

• Price depends on species, origin, appearance, age,...

• Prices may vary depending on the time.

• You should only buy Cockatoos from reputable breeders with clear quarantine, origin and import documents.

Cockatoo Questions and Answers

Can Cockatoos talk?

Yes, Cockatoos are very good mimics so they can talk, but not as well as African Grey parrots.

How long do cockatoos live?

The average lifespan of a Cockatoo can range from 40 to 70 years if kept in ideal conditions.

Cockatoo parrot pictures

Below is a collection of super beautiful Cockatoo images with a characteristic large crest. Let's admire more to fully feel the unique beauty of this parrot species.

Image of Pink Cockatoo with colorful crest.

Black Palm Cockatoo picture.

A Cockatoo parrot spreading its wings.

Image of Sulphur-crested Cockatoo flying in the blue sky.

Popular Cockatoo Breeds.

A Cockatoo is perched on the hand of its owner.

A Moluccan Cockatoo is perched on a tree branch.

Above, nicebirds.net has shared all the information about Cockatoo parrots. This is a parrot species with outstanding appearance, intelligent, affectionate and attached to its owner. However, if you want to raise and care for a Cockatoo parrot, you need a lot of experience, patience and time.

Don't forget to visit our Blog section to learn more about other beautiful and interesting bird species!