Cockatoos - Description
There are 18 species and 37 subspecies of Cockatoos, but only a handful became well known due to importation. Cockatoos are very beautiful bright birds. Most of them are white with touches of red and yellow; some are black. All Cockatoos have a strong, massive scimitar-like beak for cracking nuts or digging up roots. A wormlike tongue aims feeding. Their size ranges from 30 to 70 cm. Cockatoos differ from other parrots by the bald spot on the head, covered with an erective crest. A protective powder covers cockatoos' feathers, giving them a silky texture. Males are usually a little larger than females and have dark brown or black eyes, while females have burgundy or light brown.
|
|
Picture source:
2 toos com
|
Cockatoos - Life Span
Cockatoos are considered to be the longest lived of all parrots. The average life span is 70-80 years. Some Greater Sulfur-crested individuals have lived over 100 years. It's difficult to determine the age of Cockatoos. The young birds' plumage and beak are slightly paler.
Cockatoos - Social Structure
|
|
Picture source:
Hornbeam Aviary
|
In the wild Cockatoos like all parrots live in large flocks or form groups of 10-20 birds. Adult Toos pair for life and take care of each other. A single Cockatoo pet will be happy if you devote plenty of time to it, but it's better to have two Cockatoos. Cockatoos - General Info Links
Australian Birds - Cockatoos are available for export.
Avian Companions - Photo gallery and description of Cockatoos.
Beauty of Cockatoos - Describes some species of Cockatoo birds.
Biodiversity - Critically endangered Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos.
Bird Talk - General info on Cockatoos with breeders' links.
Bird World - All species of Australian Cockatoos are presented.
|
|
Picture source:
Milamba's Australia
|
Birds n Ways - Characterizes Cockatoos in general and describes separate species.
Cockatoo - Facts and pictures of the umbrella cockatoo. FAQs page, where you can enter your questions and comments.
Cockatoo Birds - Gives detailed information on Cockatoos.
Cockatoo Birds - Presents natural and personal history of all kinds of Cockatoos.
Cockatoo Characteristics - A survey on Cockatoo crests.
Cockatoo Connection - Brief description, photos and prices of all Cockatoo species.
Cockatoos - Umbrella and Moluccan Cockatoos as pets. Species information, links and pictures.
Cockatoos Information - Contains articles on different Cockatoos.
Dublin Zoo - An article about Moluccan Cockatoo.
Net Pets - Cockatoo bathing and species-specific behavior.
Parrot Lexicon - Information with pictures on every Cockatoo species.
|
|
Picture source:
Milamba's Australia
|
Pet Birds - Cockatoos and other parrots for sale.
Real Macaw - Specific information on various species of Cockatoos.
Species of Birds - Cockatoo species in brief.
Specific Parrot Species - Lots of Cockatoo links.
The Umbrella Cockatoo - Stories, pictures, and information about Bonus, an umbrella cockatoo.
Tweet Parrot Breeder - Different Cockatoos available.
Cockatoos - Other Cockatoos sites
Cockapoos - The Cockapoo results in the best traits of two breeds - a Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel. The features usually resemble both breeds, not as pointed and sharp as a Poodle but neither are they the fully rounded "chubby" ones of a Cocker. Tails may be docked or not, but usually are and Cocker ears finish off an overall adorable appearance. Colors will vary according to the heritage of the sire and dam. Their temperament is a loving one with the mellow qualities of the Cocker quieting the sometimes high-strung Poodle. They are very intelligent and alert, yet with a sweet nature, patient disposition and are famous for being wonderfully affectionate. The cross breeding results in "hybrid vigor", which is demonstrated by the best qualities of each breed, highlighted in the offspring. Cockapoos are of sturdy build, are eager to please, easy to train, and non-destructive. On the average they live 18 to 21 years.
Dedicated breeders working to establish the breed using selective mating with detailed record keeping are breeding Cockapoos beyond the first generation. This will allow establishing the breed standard by which all Cockapoos will be held. It's felt by some that, if you desire anything other than a recognized pedigreed animal, it should be adopted from those waiting in shelters rather than purposely breeding a cross. The presentation and popularity of Cockapoos speak for themselves in defense of these wonderful "mixed breed" dogs that have resulted in the best traits of both inherent lines. Cockapoos have developed a great reputation and are in high demand; they can command prices on a par with pedigreed dogs. They are not recognized by the American Kennel Club regardless of the pedigree line of the sire and dam, but can be registered by the Continental Kennel Club.
