Some parrot species like Kakapo and Night parrots are nocturnal and can see in the dark. What about cockatoos? can they also see in the dark?
Cockatoos are diurnal parrots, they can not see in the dark, like nocturnal parrots. They are diurnal, and their vision is poor at night. (1)
Why Cockatoos Cannot See at Night?
We, humans, have three visual pigments, that help us can see and define colors. Whereas cockatoos have four visual pigments, that enable them to see more distinctive colors than we do. This extra pigment is the reason that they can not see in the dark.
Since cockatoos need daylight to fly and find food. They do not get up early and wait for the sun to warm their feet before they start activities. As the day draws to a close, they quickly return to their nests because their vision reduces in the dark
Are Cockatoos Safe in Dark?
In day time, cockatoos can see predators and protect themselves by flying or fighting, but they cannot see at night. This is why cockatoos usually sit on high perches or stay in their nest at night. It enables them to hide and stay out of the reach of predators and hence they are safe in the dark.
Do Cockatoos Need Light All Day?
Although cockatoos are daylight parrots but they need at least 10-12 hours of dark and silence to rest. Keeping them in light for all day makes them unhappy and depressed. It also affects their health and lifespan.
Final Thoughts
No matter how good cockatoos can see in day time, they cannot see in the dark. However, this lack of night vision does not make them vulnerable.
