Major Mitchell's Parrot - One of the most beautiful parrots in the world

The Major Mitchell's parrot (rose-crested cockatoo) is one of the most beautiful parrots in the world, found only in the wild in Australia, with an intelligent, loyal, and sensitive temperament.

The Major Mitchell parrot, also known as the rose-crested cockatoo (scientific name: Lophochroa leadbeateri), is one of the most beautiful and rare parrots in the world, standing out with its fan-shaped crest with brilliant colors like flames standing out on a characteristic pink-white background.

Not only does it have an impressive appearance, the rose-crested cockatoo also fascinates bird lovers with its intelligence, loyalty, and ability to mate for life.

In today's article, let's nicebirds explore all the information about the origin, morphological characteristics, habits and behavior of the Major Mitchell parrot to better understand this noble parrot species .

Major Mitchell Parrot Information :

Origin & distribution of Major Mitchell parrot

Learn about the origins of the Major Mitchell's cockatoo.

The Major Mitchell's parrot, also known as the Rose-crested Cat or Leadbeater's Cockatoo, with the scientific name Lophochroa leadbeateri, is a parrot endemic to Australia, found mainly in the arid and semi-arid inland regions of Central Australia, Western Australia, South Australia, Western New South Wales and Southern Queensland.

This parrot was first discovered and scientifically described in 1790 by naturalist George Shaw. The name “Major Mitchell” was given after Major Sir Thomas Mitchell, who recorded their appearance during the expedition.

The typical habitat of the rose-crested cockatoo is in open eucalyptus forests, scrublands, dry grasslands, desert scrublands,...

Major Mitchell's Parrot - One of the most beautiful cockatoos in the world

Major Mitchell's parrot with its distinctive colorful crest.

Let's learn in detail about the physical characteristics of the Major Mitchell cockatoo to help you better understand why they are known as one of the most beautiful cockatoos in the world.

Size :

• Body length: 35 - 40 cm
• Wingspan: 80 - 90 cm
• Weight: 300 - 450 grams, female parrots are usually lighter than male parrots

Characteristic soft pink and white fur :

• Back, wings and tail are ivory white.
• The chest and belly are pale pink or peach.
• Face, cheeks have a darker pink color
• The underwing feathers have a pale orange-yellow sheen.

Crest :

• The crest is fan-shaped, high and slightly curved.
• It has a bright, eye-catching color with an orange-red center, bright yellow edges, and is finally surrounded by a white coat.
• When the parrot becomes excited, curious or wants to communicate, the crest feathers will stand up beautifully.

Head - face - feet - nails :

• Legs are short, strong, gray or pinkish gray in color.
• 2-toe front and 2-toe back toe short to help climb and grip firmly
• Toenails moderately curved and sharp

Gender discrimination :

• Difficult to distinguish gender with the naked eye
• Male birds usually have dark brown or black eyes.
• Females have lighter brown eyes, and their crests are also lighter.

Major Mitchell Parrot Temperament and Behavior

Two rose-crested cockatoos are standing next to each other.

Not only possessing a beautiful appearance and impressive feather crest, Major Mitchell cockatoos also have many characteristic habits and behaviors. Let's find out more details here.

Smart and sensitive

Major Mitchell is considered one of the smartest parrots and has the ability to imitate sounds and understand basic training commands very quickly.

In particular, this parrot is also quite sensitive and easily stressed. If neglected or raised incorrectly, it will become panicked, sad and even pluck its own feathers.

Paired for life

Rose-crested cockatoos are among the most faithful parrots in the world. They form very stable pairs and will stay together for life if not separated.

Once paired, they tend to do everything together from moving, eating, resting, and even nesting.

Communicate by sound and body

Major Mitchell's cockatoos have a high-pitched but long-range call, which they use to communicate with others, to raise alarm, or to express their excitement.

In addition, these parrots also communicate with each other through body language as follows:

• Erected crest : Curious, alert, aggressive state
• Flap your wings, nod your head, shake your head : Express your emotions.

Do not gather in flocks

Unlike some other parrot species, rose-crested cockatoos are highly territorial and rarely gather together in large flocks. They usually live in pairs or small groups of 3-4 individuals.

Reproductive behavior

Rose-crested cockatoos usually nest in the hollows of old trees, especially eucalyptus trees. Both male and female cockatoos work together to clean out the hollows and then line the nests with sawdust they have gnawed from the branches.

Each brood, the female parrot lays 2-4 eggs, then incubates the eggs for about 26 days. Both the male and female incubate the eggs and raise the chicks together.

Behavior when kept in cages

When kept in a cage, the Major Mitchell parrot will have some typical behaviors as follows:

• Need social interaction to avoid depression
• Needs toys, training or daily interaction time for mental stimulation
• Will scream loudly if not cared for or when feeling too bored.
• May exhibit jealous or disruptive behavior if neglected by owner.

Why Major Mitchell parrots are not commonly kept in Vietnam

The rose-crested cockatoo is a parrot endemic to Australia.

Despite its beautiful appearance and many interesting habits and behaviors, Major Mitchell Parrots are not commonly kept in Vietnam for the following reasons:

• Rare and protected species : The rose-crested cockatoo is listed in Appendix I of the CITES convention, prohibiting international commercial trade for commercial purposes and import and export requiring strict permits, almost impossible for individuals.
• Very expensive : Rose-crested cockatoos are expensive enough that only the most advanced bird enthusiasts can afford them.
• Difficult to care for, easy to stress : As shared above, this parrot species is very susceptible to stress and depression if not raised properly, so it is very difficult to satisfy them.

How much does a Major Mitchell parrot cost?

The Major Mitchell cockatoo is considered a high-class bird due to its rarity, beautiful appearance and interesting habits. Currently, it is very difficult to buy this parrot in Vietnam because it is very rare, and import is also limited due to many regulations related to conservation.

The reference price of a Major Mitchell parrot is around 180 - 300 million VND/bird, depending on age, purity and origin.

However, you need to note that rose-crested cockatoos are in CITES appendix I, so if you want to trade or import them, you need a special permit.

Questions and answers about Major Mitchell parrots?

Are Major Mitchell Parrots easy to care for?

No, this is a very difficult parrot to keep, prone to stress, requiring a lot of attention, interaction and a suitable environment.

Can Major Mitchell's cockatoo talk?

Yes, Major Mitchell parrots are capable of saying some basic words and sounds, but not as well as African Grey parrots or Amazon parrots, etc.

How long do Major Mitchell parrots live?

The average lifespan of a rose-crested cockatoo is around 40 - 60 years, or even longer if raised and cared for properly.

Beautiful Major Mitchell Parrot Pictures

Let's admire the super beautiful Major Mitchell parrot moments that we have collected below to fully appreciate the brilliant beauty of this rose-crested parrot.

A Major Mitchell's parrot is perched on the ground.

The rose-crested cockatoo just landed on the lawn.

Image of Major Mitchel's Cockatoo with super beautiful pink color.

Close-up of the unique crest of the Major Mitchel's parrot.

Super beautiful image of a rose-crested cockatoo spreading its wings and flying.

A rose-crested cockatoo is standing by the river.

With its striking appearance, interesting habits and absolute loyalty, the Major Mitchell parrot will be a classy choice for professional bird players. However, raising and owning this parrot always comes with understanding, responsibility and compliance with legal regulations.

Hopefully, the information that nicebirds.net shares above will help you understand more about this rose-crested cockatoo. Goodbye and see you soon in other articles of the Blog section to learn more about beautiful, intelligent parrots or other pet birds.