Cockatoos

There are 21 species of Cockatoos. All of them share several common characteristics: crest on the head, curved beak, zygodactyl feet (with two forward and two backward toes.) The shape and size of the crest differs according to the species. Some Cockatoo species have bright blue and green feathers; others are white, black, or pale-colored. Cockatoos are generally large birds, but the cockatiel, the smallest of Cockatoos, is a very small bird.

The range of the Cockatoos is more restricted compared to other parrots. Cockatoos occur mostly in Australia and nearby islands: New Guinea, Indonesia, and smaller south Pacific islands. Wild birds are protected by the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.) They cannot be legally trapped and exported for pet trade. Still, many Cockatoos are caught and smuggled to the USA and Europe where they are very popular as pets.

Cockatoos make good pet birds not only because of their beauty. They are also popular because of their outgoing and communicative personality, devotedness to the owner and intelligence. Though it’s incorrect to talk about “speech” of these birds, many of them can imitate a variety of sounds including human speech. Cockatoos are large birds that need enough space for exercise. They should be kept in a large cage and should have an opportunity to fly freely in the house. Cockatoos need many interesting toys for chewing and playing and many perches and branches for exercise. A balanced diet of seeds and fruits is a must for all Cockatoos.

Not any Cockatoo will make a calm and friendly pet. Like dogs, Cockatoos need early socialization, much communication and attention of the whole family. If left on its own, a Cockatoo will be loud, aggressive, destructive and not communicative. The owners have to reward the bird when it’s quiet and ignore it when it’s loud. Constant petting and cuddling spoil a Cockatoo. Larger Cockatoos need special socialization and training to become reliable pets. They are usually sold at the age of several years when they have already developed a steady personality. Well-socialized Cockatoos cost up to $2000.