Umbrella Cockatoos

Umbrella Cockatoos are also known as White Cockatoos or Cacatua alba. The Umbrella Cockatoo is a medium sized bird with pure white feathering all over the body except the underside of tail and wings that are pale yellow. The species is endemic to a number of small islands in Indonesia. Like all cockatoos, the Umbrella Cockatoo has a large crest on the head similar to umbrella.

The average size for Umbrella Cockatoos is around 19 inch long. They weigh around a pound for females and up to two pounds for males. Males differ from females by a larger crest, broader head, and bigger beak. These birds are reported to live up to 80 years of age.

Umbrella Cockatoos are classified as a vulnerable species, but not endangered. The main threats to the population of these birds are habitat destruction and illegal trapping. Though import and trade of the Umbrella Cockatoos caught in the wild are illegal, many birds are smuggled into the USA where they are popular as pets. Many birds die on the way to pet stores due to terrible keeping conditions.

If you want to buy a parrot, make sure that is was bred in captivity, but not taken from the wild. By doing this you refuse to encourage illegal pet trade and get a health guarantee for your future pet. Only captive bred birds can become friendly pets for humans. Umbrella Cockatoos are characterized as communicative, social, affectionate, and easy to train. They can imitate human speech, but are not the best talkers among parrot species.

Like most other pets, Umbrella Cockatoos need much time and attention of the owner to be happy. If bored, they develop behavior disorders and get bored or nervous. Daily attention and plenty of toys are necessary for a happy parrot. The Umbrella Cockatoo can be very loud when screaming for attention. During the first few years of the bird’s life the owners have to train it behave. Like all large and active birds, an Umbrella Cockatoo needs a large cage and a gym for exercise. It can be rather costly to provide Umbrella Cockatoos with proper food and toys for chewing.