Cockatoo Species

There are 21 different species of cockatoos, although some are extremely rare.

They vary in size from the small 12 inch Goffin Cockatoo to the large Black Palm Cockatoo that can reach 28 inches.

The majority of cockatoos are white, but some species are gray, black, pink and even blue.

All cockatoo birds are known for their sweet and cuddly nature, and all need a lot of attenntion.

Moluccan Cockatoo

Also called the Salmon Crested Cockatoo.

The Moluccan is one of the largest of the cockatoos at 20 to 24 inches.

They are light pink to salmon colored with a orange crest and underside near the tail. The underside of the wings and tail is a light yellow

They are said to be the most loving and affectionate of all the cockatoos. They are also the most demanding.

If they don't receive enough attention problems like screaming and feather picking soon develop.

If you are the type of person that can willingly spend the rest of your life caring for a bird that requires as much time and attention as that of a two year old child, and you have the space and money then this may well be the perfect pet parrot for you.

Umbrella Cockatoo

Also know as the White Cockatoo

At around 24 inches it is medium sized cockatoo with pure white with pale yellow feathers under it's wings and a gray beak.

Umbrella Cockatoos are rarely aggressive. By nature they are sweet tempered, gentle and docile which makes them idea for pets.

They can be extremely load, they are dusty as all cockatoos are, and most important because of their social nature they need lots of attention.

Their willingness to bond with humans, their cuddly nature and their intelligence make them a very popular pet.

Unfortunately quite a few up them end up in rescue services because they were bought by people who didn't do their homework and found out that these birds need more than just a cage and a few toys to be happy and well adjusted.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo

Sulphur Crested Cockatoos range in size from 14 to 20 inches depending on the type.

The only real difference in their appearance is in the size of each.

They are all white with a yellow crest and yellow tinged under wings and tails, other than the Citron Cockatoo who's crest is more orange than yellow.

They are easily tamed and make good pets, but they have a tendency to bond to just one person and can be somewhat aggressive to anyone else.

The Sulphur Crested Cockatoo are somewhat less needy than most of the other cockatoos but they still need plenty of interaction from it's owner and toys to keep it occupied when it is alone,

Rose Breasted Cockatoo

Also called Rose Cockatoo and Galah Cockatoo.

They are a smaller sized cockatoo only slightly bigger than the Goffins Cockatoo.

They are light to mid gray with rose colored feathers on the breast as well as under the wings, and a light pink head and crest.

Rose Cockatoos are prone to fatty tumors and so their diet should consist mainly of grains and vegetables. Seeds should be limited to the occasional treat.

They have very soft feathers which makes them nice to pet.

They are more independent and not as cuddly as other cockatoos.

Because of their independence they are usually quite happy in their cages.

Rose Breasted Cockatoos also have a tendency to nip and scream, especially if they are bored. Be sure to keep a variety of new toys and puzzles in it's cage to keep it occupied.

The Galah Cockatoo is intelligent and responds well to training.

With the proper training they make great pets.

Learn More About The Rose Breasted Cockatoo

Bare Eyed Cockatoo

Also know as the Short Billed Corella.

At 16 inches they are not a large bird as far as cockatoos go.

The most striking feature is the bare patch around the eyes. They are mostly white with a light yellow under the wings and tail. Their crest is very broad.

As long as they have plenty of toys to play with they need less human interaction than the rest of the cockatoos. This of course doesn't mean you can just ignore it. Like all cockatoos they need socializing on a regular basis.

They are true clowns and very affectionate birds and are considered one of the best talkers out of the cockatoo family.

Their playful and comical behavior makes them one of the more lovable parrots.

Learn More About The Bare Eyed Cockatoo

Goffin Cockatoo

Also know as the Tanimbar Corellas and Goffin's Corell

Goffin Cockatoos are quite small which makes them ideal for someone who wants a cockatoo but doesn't have the room for something the size of a Moluccan or Umbrella Cockatoo.

They are the smallest of the cockatoos which at 12 inches is even smaller than the cockatiels.

Goffins are white with pink around the lores (the area between the eyes and the beak). They have a light yellow on the underside of the wings, tail and ear coverlets.

Their crest isn't as large in proportion to their body size as it is in the other cockatoos.

They are loving, playful and entertaining birds and will make a great companion if you have the time to spend with it.

Learn More About The Goffin Cockatoo

More coming soon.

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