There are almost 11,000 known bird species in the world. Each species has a unique look, and some birds are hard to identify. The same goes for cockatoos; some are huge and have unique body structures that make them look different from other parrot species. It almost makes some people question whether cockatoos are a type of parrot or a different bird.
Cockatoos are a group of species of parrot. They have similar natures, eating habits, and breeding patterns to other parrots. The appearance of cockatoos varies from species to species; some are as large as a macaw parrot or a medium-sized chicken, while others are smaller than an African grey parrot. The size and weight of cockatoos also vary from species to species.
Now that you have learned cockatoos are a type of parrot and how they look, you might also be interested in their types.
How many types of cockatoos exist in the World?
There are almost 19 types of cockatoos. Each type has a unique appearance and body structure. Some of the most common types of cockatoos are:
- Sulphur-crested cockatoo has beautiful white plumage and a yellow crest.
- Umbrella cockatoo is the most popular type of cockatoo. It has a white body and a gorgeous crest.
- Moluccan cockatoo has a pale-pink body that almost looks white and a salmon-colored crest.
- Black palm cockatoo is the largest of all cockatoo types. It is completely black, except its cheeks are red.
- Galah cockatoo is one of the smallest types of cockatoo. Its plumage is a combination of pink and grey color, and its crest is grey.
Apart from these types, some hybrid cockatoo species also exist. They are a result of cross-breeding between different cockatoo species.
How much do cockatoos cost?
Their cost varies from species to species. On average, the cost of adult cockatoos is between $1000-1500, but some species cost up to $23,000. Apart from the rarity of species, the gender, age, nature, and training of birds also impact their cost.
For example, an adult tamed Sulphur-crested cockatoos cost $3500 or more, but a young tamed bird costs $1500-2000. Since the bird has received some training, its cost is higher than a wild bird. Similarly, the cost also varies in baby cockatoos.
How much do baby cockatoos cost?
Typically, the cost of baby cockatoos is between $500-17,000; it depends on the type of species and their age. Generally, self-feeding-aged baby cockatoos cost higher than hand-feeding-aged babies. Like had-feeding-aged Sulphur-crested cockatoos cost $500, and a self-feeding-aged Sulphur-crested Cockatoo baby costs $1000.
How much does keeping cockatoos cost?
The initial setup cost, including cage, perches, toys, and cleaning accessories, costs around $600-650. The annual expense of cockatoo diet & health checkup costs around $800-1000. The cost can vary from bird to bird as some cockatoos are small and need a small cage, while some are large and require a large cage.
You can also cut costs by making cockatoo toys at home and making perches using branches from the tree in your garden. If you are skilled enough, you can also make a cockatoo cage at home. This will significantly reduce their setup cost.
Where do cockatoos live?
Most cockatoos come from Australian, Brazilian, and Indonesian islands and rainforests. The natural habitat varies from species to species, but most cockatoos prefer regions where they have easy access to food and there are fewer predators.
Since cockatoos live longer in captivity and some species are critically endangered, they are now being raised by cockatoo conservation programs. Moreover, many independent breeders and zoos are raising a variety of cockatoos in captivity. So, you don’t have to visit a Brazilian island to check out a Sulphur-crested cockatoo; you can find one in your city.
What do cockatoos eat?
Generally, cockatoos are omnivores, but for most of their life, they live like herbivores. Cockatoos eat fruits, nuts, seeds, grains, vegetables, and worms. Occasionally, they can also eat a small fraction of homemade food. But beware, not all foods are healthy for cockatoos. Always ask an expert before feeding something new for the first time.
What do baby cockatoos eat?
The self-feeding-aged baby cockatoos that are older than 90 days can eat on their own. Such baby cockatoos eat the same food as adult cockatoos. They are usually fed fruits and soft seeds that their baby beaks can cut easily.
The cockatoo babies younger than 90 days cannot eat on their own; they are hand-fed. Such hand-feeding-aged baby cockatoos are fed a special formula. This formula is enriched with necessary elements that help them grow faster and stay healthier.
How long do cockatoos live?
The lifespan of cockatoos also varies from species to species. But most cockatoos live 40-70 years. They live longer in captivity as compared to the wild because they get better care and safety.
Are cockatoos endangered?
Some cockatoo species, like the Lesser Sulphur-crested cockatoo, are endangered. However, the overall population of wild cockatoos is declining with time. The rising deforestation is causing severe damage to their population. Wild cockatoos are also captured for illegal trading. Besides, certain predator hunt cockatoos.
Several cockatoo conservation programs are raising endangered species in care. Every year, some birds are freed on suitable islands; this is exactly how the population of endangered species is not being restored. Moreover, some countries have regulated their trade and hunting to protect the wild population of cockatoos.
When do cockatoos breed?
The breeding season of cockatoos commences in winter. Most species breed from December to February, and some breed from February to March. Due to the difference in climate, their breeding months can vary from region to region.
Naturally, almost all cockatoos species breed once a year, but some can breed twice or more yearly. However, when provided the right climate, environment, and diet in captivity, they can be artificially bred more than once a year.
Like all birds, cockatoos lay eggs. Most species lay 2-4 eggs, while Some, like the black palm cockatoos, lay only one egg.
Do male and female cockatoos look identical?
Generally, both male and female cockatoos look the same. But if you look closely, there are some differences between male and female cockatoos. The male cockatoos are larger and heavier, have dark eyes and toes, and are more talkative. Moreover, in some species, like the Gang Gang cockatoos, both genders have different colors, which makes it easier to identify their gender.
Are cockatoos good as pets?
Cockatoos are adorable as pets; they keep you entertained all the time. They act no less than a family member and expect love and care. Once you fall in love with a cockatoo, there is no going back.
Are cockatoos smart?
Absolutely, cockatoos are one of the smartest birds in the World. They can learn how to do things just a like a child and then do them. They can learn to play puzzles, perform tricks and mimic human speech.
Their talking ability is amazing. They can learn to mimic hundreds of words (if taught well). Some cockatoos can learn long phrases and even songs. They can also the sounds of other birds, doorbells, cellphone ringtones & other sounds they hear.
Cockatoos have a thing for music; they love to dance to music. They are really good at matching moves with the beat. Very few birds show such behavior.
Besides smartness, cockatoos have a temperament. They show signs of emotional attachment, anger, and love. Cockatoos can attack if they feel insecure and show absolute trust when they have an emotional attachment. But creating a bond with cockatoos and winning their trust is not simple.
Can cockatoos be tamed?
Generally, cockatoos are gentle and peace-loving parrots. But wild cockatoos are not very friendly. However, wild cockatoos can be tamed; they become friendly and gentle once tamed. Taming a wild cockatoo takes a lot of effort, patience, and time. Whereas taming a baby cockatoo is quite easy and less time-consuming.
Once tamed, cockatoos sit on your hand and let you pet them. Some cockatoos can be flight tamed; they do not fly away even if taken outdoors. They fly around you but always return to you.
Similarly, cockatoos can be potty trained. They no longer poop everywhere in your home or on you (when you pick it). Imagine how comforting it is for cockatoos owners who have to wash sheets and clothes every time their cockatoo poops on them.
How to read the body language of a cockatoo?
The body language of cockatoos can help us understand their emotions, needs, and wants. Following are some of the most common behaviors they show when they need help.
- Cockatoos scream or dance a lot when they are excited. The screams can also mean that your cockatoos feel unsafe.
- Cockatoos hiss when they want to scare off someone. It is an expression of self-defense.
- Cockatoos raise their crest when they are curious about something that has caught their attention.
- Cockatoos puff up their feathers when they are comfy and relaxing. In some cases, it also means that they are angry.
- Cockatoos shake or shiver when they are unwell. They are maybe cold, ill, or badly scared of something. In all of these situations, they need a health checkup.
How to take care of cockatoos?
Cockatoos are no less than human babies; they need proper care. However, taking care of cockatoos is not difficult if you are aware of their needs and wants. Below is a list of things you need to take good care of.
- Provide them with a balanced diet. Their diet is the key factor that affects their lifespan and overall well-being.
- Keep them in a good-sized cage that is big enough to stay happy.
- Give them attention, and never neglect them. Cockatoos are attention-seekers; they are prone to falling into depression if not given attention for a long time.
- Protect them from predators. If you have other pets, ensure you never leave them unattended with your cockatoo. Keep your cockatoos indoors if they are not flight-tamed or they are young; such cockatoos are bad at protecting themselves.
- Get your cockatoos some toys to play with when you are not attending to them.
- Take your cockatoos to a vet every month or at least once a year. This helps diagnose illnesses that have no visible symptoms.
Final Thoughts
Cockatoos are parrots and not much different from other parrots. However, they have different personalities and are far more affectionate and friendlier. Maybe this is why cockatoos are one of the most adored parrots in the world.
If you enjoyed reading about cockatoos, the below video would make your day!
Hi Bilal,
Do you have specs for an outdoor birdbath? Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort said they might put one in. I live across the creek in IRT retirement village and the bird bath here was removed. Yellow-tailed black cockatoos were using it daily. Cheers Roger.
Hi Rogers, if you are asking for wild cockatoos, I personally prefer providing cockatoos water for bath in large urban mud bowl (approximately 16-18 inches inner diameter & 3 inches deep). Try to use a solid bowl made of cement or clay, try not to use a plastic bowl. You can easily find a mud bowl at any urban pottery store. I recommend using a bowl that is not too deep or just fill water enough for the cockatoo to dip his legs, he will bath well in it but if the the water depth is more, the cockatoo might hesitate to get in it. Best if you install a small fountain, they love it.
You might want to check out this article to read more about cockatoos loving fountains:
https://cockatoopedia.com/how-to-attract-cockatoos-to-your-garden-or-balcony/
And if you mean water bowl for bathing your captive/pet cockatoos, you can place the same sized water bowl in their cage or you can adopt other waters of bathing it.
Check this article for more details on how to bathe your cockatoo:
https://cockatoopedia.com/how-to-bathe-a-cockatoo/
Let me know if there is anything else I can help you with!
Bilal