On these birds, the sex must be determined by either a surgical probe, endoscopy, or by a DNA testing. However the eye coloration is not so pronounced on some species. This helps to determine the sex of the bird. On most species of Cockatoo, the eye iris of the female will become red to red-brown after about two years. Cockatoos are thought to be the longest lived of all parrots with examples cited of the Greater Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo having lived over 100 years. It is difficult to determine the age of a cockatoo, however young cockatoos will have a beak that is smooth and pale and their plumage will be paler, while an older bird’s beak will be darker and have striations and their plumage will have a fuller coloration. Their beaks are enormously powerful and they can easily demolish objects. They have “erectile crests”, which is a mobile crest of feathers. These birds both look and behave differently than any of the other parrots, and are some of the longest lived.Ĭockatoos mostly have a single color plumage, either white or dark. A cockatoo can take apart or demolish a wooden toy in no time! The term “cockatoo” is a Malaysian word thought to have possibly two meanings, “pincher” or “old father”. The term ‘pincher’ is definitely descriptive as the cockatoos have extremely powerful beaks. They are found in the tropical rainforests which are wet with high temperatures, on the grassy plains, and on the dry savannahs. Cockatoos in the wild are found in three very distinct ranges. The cockatoos natural habitats are found over large areas of Australia and Indonesia. See these types of cockatoos in the Cockatoo Family Distribution:

Having two will help to prevent bad habits from developing by a bored bird.

Bored cockatoos are notorious for developing bad habits such as screeching and feather plucking. However, two pet cockatoos can be ideal if you are not able to devote so much time and attention as the bird will demand. You will need to spend a good deal of time playing with it and sharing affections on a regular daily basis. A single cockatoo will thrive as your pet only if you devote time and attention to it. A happy cockatoo spends most of its waking time performing, or examining and manipulating its toys and other cage objects.īecause of their loving quailties and intelligence, Cockatoos have a very high need for attention, affection, and interaction. These birds are very active and curious about their environment. On top of that, Cockatoos are very intelligent and inquisitive birds, and they love to show off!Ī Cockatoo will make comical displays with outspread wings, head bobbing, dancing, and loud calls. Cockatoos are extremely affectionate, their feathers are very soft and they have beautiful colors!

Galah cockatoo plucking