Moluccan Cockatoo
The Moluccan Cockatoo is also known as Salmon-crested Cockatoo. This species is endemic to eastern Indonesia. It’s the largest of all Cockatoos. The body length of these birds averages 50 cm. This species is characterized by pale pink feathers with a peachy glow, pale yellow underwings and the underside of the tail. The large red-orange crest is the main beauty of these birds. The crest in Cockatoos is used to frighten potential attackers and attract mates during the breeding season.
The Moluccan Cockatoo is a threatened species. It’s listed as vulnerable. The main threats to its population are illegal bird trade and habitat loss. Though today, these birds are protected by law, trapping and export to other countries continues. It’s impossible to import Moluccan Cockatoos into the USA, because they are listed on the WBCA (Wild Bird Conservation Act.) The only way to obtain a Moluccan Cockatoo in the USA is buying it from an aviary that breeds and raises these birds in captivity.
The Moluccan Cockatoo is popular because of its learning abilities. Moluccan Cockatoos can mimic a lot of sounds including human speech and songs, pick their cage locks, and manipulate the owners. To get the best results with a bird, buy a hand-fed baby Moluccan Cockatoo that can adjust to the new home. Though the Moluccan Cockatoo is a very intelligent bird, it’s very difficult to maintain.
Like all large birds, Moluccan Cockatoos need much space in the cage and in the house. It’s necessary to let the bird out for communication and training sessions, but its wings should be clipped to prevent it from flying away. About 4 hours daily should be devoted to Moluccan Cockatoos to train and entertain them. The Moluccan Cockatoo tends to be very noisy when asking for attention. This bird is not for an apartment living.
Moluccan Cockatoos usually bond with one person in the family. These large and strong birds are not recommended for families with children, as they may injure a child with their sharp beaks. People with dust allergy should not keep a Moluccan Cockatoo, as it produces a talk-like substance for cleaning feathers.
