Lesser Sulphur Crested cockatoos are very friendly, affectionate, and cuddly parrots. Just like other cockatoo species, they have distinct personalities and characteristics. Let’s talk about how they look and what makes them different.
Lesser Sulphur Crested cockatoos are also known as Yellow Crested cockatoos. They are the smallest subspecies of Sulphur Crested cockatoos. Their natural habitat is Australia’s grasslands and surrounding areas. Unfortunately, their population has drastically declined over the last few decades, and this species is now enlisted as critically endangered.
Like all cockatoo species, Lesser Sulphur Crested cockatoos have a unique appearance and personality.
| Scientific Name | Cacatua sulphurea |
| Habitat | Australian grasslands |
| Weight | 300-350g |
| Size | 13 inches |
| Lifespan | 30-60 years. |
| Breeding Season | Breeding months, September to May, |
| Conservation Status | Critically endangered |
| Hybrids | No |
| Adult Price | $4000 |
| Baby Price | $2000 |
Appearance
Lesser Sulphur Crested Cockatoos are white parrots with a prominent yellow-colored crest on their head. Their beaks and feet are gray-blackish. They have prominent yellow patches on their cheeks; which other subspecies of Sulphur Crested cockatoos do not have.
Difference Between Male and Female Appearance
Male and female lesser Sulphur Crested cockatoos are similar. The only prominent difference between males and females is their eye color. The Male has dark black eyes, and the female has reddish-brown eyes.
Weight, Size, and Wing-span
Lesser Sulphur Crested cockatoos have a size of about 13 inches, and they weigh about 300 to 350 grams. They have a wingspan ranging from 4.5 to 5 inches.
Voice
Lesser Sulphur Crested cockatoos have soft and low vocals. But they make loud calls and produce shrill voices when they have to alarm the flock about potential threats.
Diet
Their diet is a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, meat, and pellet food. They also eat insects and worms in their natural habitat.
Lifespan
Lesser Sulphur Crested cockatoos can live upto 60 years in captivity with proper care and a good environment. But in wild, they live 30 to 50 years because they face life-threatening situations and food shortages.
Habitat
Lesser Sulphur Crested cockatoos live in forest scrub, cultivated areas, and grasslands of Australia, Indonesia, and New Guinea.
Population and Endangerment Status
According to IUCN, there are only 2,500 Lesser Sulphur Crested cockatoos left in the world. (1) The number of this breed is decreasing day by day, which is why it has been categorized as endangered. A population of this species has been introduced in Hong Kong to save them from extinction.
Lesser Sulphur Crested Cockatoo as Pets
Lesser Sulphur Crested cockatoos are affectionate, energetic, and friendly parrots. They love to interact and play with their owners. Once they bond with you, they can be taught to talk and play tricks.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Friendly and playful | Occasionally loud and noisy |
| Can be tamed | Moody about food and environment |
| Affectionate and loving | Can be harmful if feel threatened |
| Can learn to talk and play tricks | Likes to chew everything |
Breeding
Lesser Sulphur Crested cockatoos are monogamous; once they bond with a mate, they breed with them for almost all their life.
Breeding Age
They start breeding at the age of 4 to 6 years.
Breeding Season
Their breeding season starts in May and lasts till September. Their breeding months can vary with climatic conditions.
Breeding Capacity
On average, young females lay a clutch of 2 to 4 eggs twice a year. Whereas old females lay only 2 to 3 eggs, once a year.
Healthy pairs can breed for upto 60 years.
Price
Lesser Sulphur Crested cockatoos cost about $4000 to $2000; depending upon their age, breed, training, and breeding history.
| Captive | $4000 |
| Wild | $3600 |
| Tame | $4500 |
| Self-feed-aged | $2500 |
| Hand-feed-aged | $2000 |
Final Thoughts
Lesser Sulphur Crested cockatoos are adorable birds, they are easy to take care of and breed. People keeping this breed say they are one of the best pet birds they ever had.
