Animal Profiles
Birds

Cockatoo

Cacatuidae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Cockatoos are parrots with mobile head crests. The sulphur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita), described here, is a noisy white bird that often feeds and roosts in flocks.

Cacatua galerita (cockatoo)

Representative species: Cacatua galerita.

JJ Harrison ( https://www.jjharrison.com.au/ ) · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Australian wooded landscapes, parks and gardens.
Habitat
Rainforest, Savanna, Towns and cities
Diet
Herbivore
Food
Seeds, nuts, fruit and other plant material.

Classification

Common name
Cockatoo
Browse group
Birds
Scientific name or taxon
Cacatuidae
Taxon rank
family
Order
Psittaciformes
Family
Cacatuidae
Source classification
Aves

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Its yellow crest can be raised or folded.
  • Some flock members watch while others feed.
  • Birds gather again at shared evening roosts.

Habitat and range

Sulphur-crested cockatoos use timbered habitats, including tropical forest and savanna, and are familiar in parks and gardens. This account focuses on Australian populations rather than extending an older source’s uncertain island-range statements.

Appearance and adaptations

White plumage contrasts with a bright yellow crest. Pale yellow also appears beneath the wings and tail. The strong hooked bill handles a variety of foods.

Diet and behaviour

Seeds, nuts, fruit and blossoms dominate the diet, with insects occasionally eaten. Flocks split into smaller feeding parties and reunite at roosts. When feeding on the ground, birds stationed above can warn others of danger.

Sources

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