Australian white sulphur crested cockatoos

Native Australian Birds – The White Cockatoo

The White Cockatoo (Cacatua alba), known as the umbrella cockatoo, is a medium-sized all-white cockatoo endemic to the equatorial rainforest on Indonesia’s islands & Australasia.

When startled, it extends a large & striking head crest with a curved shape (similar to an umbrella, hence the alternative name). The wings & tail have a pastel yellow or lemon colour, which is open when flying.

It is similar to white Cockatoo varieties such as yellow-crested Cockatoo, sulphur-crested Cockatoo, & salmon-crested Cockatoo, all of which have yellowish, orange, or pinkish crest feathers rather than white.

Cockatoos are a species of large, enduring, long-lived, & very noisy parrots with moveable crests. Australia is home to fourteen species, with others also located in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, & the Philippines.

14 Australian White Cockatoo Facts

  1. Cockatoos have a chosen “footedness” similar to human handedness. Unlike humanoids, most are left-footed.
  2. In captivity, cockatoos have a lifespan comparable to humans.
  3. The word ”cockatoo” has its roots in Malay & means’ vice” or ”grip” because of their incredibly powerful beak.
  4. Australia’s most common & most extensive Cockatoo is the Galah.
  5. Australian white cockatoos are native to Australia and are found in various habitats, including open forests, woodlands, and savannas.
  6. These birds are known for their distinctive white feathers and bright red or pink patches on their tails and wings.
  7. Australian white cockatoos are social birds often found in flocks of up to several hundred individuals.
  8. These birds are vocal and are known for their loud, raucous calls.
  9. Australian white cockatoos are omnivorous, feeding on various seeds, nuts, fruits, and insects.
  10. They are also known to forage for food in agricultural areas, sometimes causing damage to crops.
  11. Australian white cockatoos have strong beaks that crack open hard-shelled nuts and seeds.
  12. These birds are known to mate for life and are often seen in pairs or small groups.
  13. Australian white cockatoos are listed as a vulnerable species, with some subspecies at risk of extinction due to habitat loss and other human activities.
  14. Australian white cockatoos are popular pets, but capturing and selling them in many parts of the world is illegal. It is important to support conservation efforts to protect these beautiful birds.

White Cockatoo Call

White Cockatoos In Australia

Four Australian varieties are predominantly white, including the very well-known & magnificent Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. These loud birds feed on berries, seeds, nuts, & roots. They’re fairly at home in urban areas & the bush.

White Cockatoos are one of the 23 varieties of parrots that belong to the bird species Cacatuidae. This family of birds has around 45 different sub-species. They are a member of the order Psittaciformes or parrots.

Eleven varieties of cockatoos are indigenous only to Australia. Seven species of cockatoos can be located in the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, & the Solomon Islands.

Most live in trees in forested regions. Many have languished due to the loss of their landscape & food sources. When this occurs, they often travel to agricultural areas where they are regarded as pests by farmers. Many cockatoos have now been deemed an endangered species.

Australian white sulphur crested cockatoos

White Cockatoo Appearance

Cockatoos are distinguished for the feathered crest on their head. They can raise or flatten this crest & will often raise it when agitated, excited, or aroused.

They are usually white or grey though a few varieties are black. On their tail or crest, they sometimes have a small patch of yellow or red. They do not have the brilliant plumage of other parrots.

Most cockatoos are large. They range from 30 to 61 centimetres in dimension & weigh up to 1.2 kilograms. The distinction is the cockatiel, which is a smaller sub-species. A cockatiel is rarely longer than 30 centimetres & weighs around 85 grams.

The Cockatoo’s bills are bowed & very powerful. They keep their bills sharp by rubbing the mandibles together when relaxing. They also chew on wood to hone their beaks.

Though this is fine in the wild, they sometimes nibble on buildings, patio furniture, wires, & satellite dishes, thus becoming annoyances to homeowners in urban areas.

Cockatoos use their large, agile tongues to split open seeds.

When their feathers’ tips deteriorate, it creates a fine, white powder, which they use to groom themselves. This is why you’ll see a mist of fine particles when cockatoos shake or wobble themselves.

They also take oil from their back & spread it on their wings. Along with grooming themselves, they will also groom other parrots in their flock.

Their moulting is a slow process leading anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the varieties.

Australian white sulphur crested cockatoos

When sleeping, the Cockatoo will ordinarily turn its head around & place it under its feathers.

Males & females usually look alike, so it’s often hard to identify the sex of a pet cockatoo. In a few varieties, the eye colour is varied. The female has a red or pink iris, while the male iris is invariably dark brown or black.

The Cockatoo has a zygodactyly-type claw. This means the outer two toes are regressive or backward, & the inner two toes face ahead.

Cockatoo Behavior

Cockatoos are social birds & normally live in flocks. Flocks may be as small as 100 birds when food is abundant but often tend to thousands in times of drought.

They begin their food hunt each morning after the sun has heated their nest & sometimes travel to great lengths in their search for food & water.

The call of the Cockatoo can be harsh & notably loud. They use their voice to communicate a threat to other birds, show moods of fear or anger, & recognise each other. When they feel threatened, they will sometimes hiss.

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White Cockatoo Diet

Pet cockatoos eat a broad & diverse diet that includes seeds, vegetables, fruit, insects, & flowers.

Most varieties feed in trees, but a few, such as the galahs & corellas, are ground feeders.
In captivity, they are often fed pellets intended to meet many of their dietary requirements, but different foods are still suggested for at least 40% of their diet. Many of these pellets are created for particular species of Cockatoos.

Australian white sulphur crested cockatoos

Australian White Cockatoo Conservation Status

Some Australian white cockatoos are listed as vulnerable and at risk of extinction due to habitat loss and other human activities. Different species have stable populations and are not considered to be at risk.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) assesses the conservation status of species and determines whether they are at risk of extinction. Here is the current conservation status of some Australian white cockatoos, according to the IUCN:

  • Major Mitchell’s cockatoos: Vulnerable
  • Galahs: Least Concern
  • Red-tailed cockatoos: Vulnerable

It is essential to support conservation efforts to protect white cockatoos and other threatened species.

This can include supporting organisations that work to protect and preserve the habitats of these birds, as well as raising awareness about the importance of conservation and the threats facing these species.

Australia White Cockatoo Life Span

The lifespan of an Australian white cockatoo depends on the specific species and individual bird. In general, these birds can live for many years, with some species living up to 50 years or more in captivity.

Here is a general guide to the lifespan of some Australian white cockatoos:

  • Major Mitchell’s cockatoos: Up to 50 years
  • Galahs: Up to 50 years
  • Red-tailed cockatoos: Up to 50 years

It is vital to provide proper care and nutrition for white cockatoos to ensure they live long and healthy lives. This includes providing a spacious and enriching environment, a varied and balanced diet, and regular medical care as needed.

Australian white cockatoo

Australian White Cockatoo Breeding

Australian white cockatoos, like other cockatoos, typically breed in the spring and summer months, when food is abundant and the weather is more favourable for raising young. The breeding process for these birds varies depending on the specific species.

In general, the female lays a clutch of eggs (usually 2-4 eggs) in a nest, typically a tree hollow or a nest box provided by the owner. Both the male and female take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks once they hatch. The chicks are altricial, meaning they are born naked and helpless and require extensive care and feeding from their parents.

Australian white cockatoos are known to be devoted and attentive parents, and both males and females often work together to care for the chicks. The chicks fledge (leave the nest) at around 8-12 weeks old, but they may continue to be fed by their parents for several more weeks.

Providing a suitable environment and proper care for Australian white cockatoos breeding or raising young is essential. This can include providing a spacious and secure nest area, a healthy and varied diet, and regular medical care.

It is also essential to consider the laws and regulations regarding breeding Australian white cockatoos in your area, as it may be illegal to capture or sell wild birds or to breed certain species without a permit.

Australian white cockatoo

Predators

Big birds such as falcons & eagles are sometimes a menace to cockatoos.
In the nest, eggs are sometimes consumed by lizards who scale the trees and enter the hollows wherever the eggs are laid.

Pythons & rats are also a threat to the eggs. Too much rainfall can also threaten the newborn if the nest is flooded. Humans, catching the cockatoos to sell, have also been predators.

White Cockatoos As Pets

Cockatoos make common pets. The cockatiel, the tiniest pet cockatoo, is one of the most prevalent and is a favourite to pet owners due to its size and friendliness.

It is vital to remember that these are exotic creatures instead of dogs or cats that are fully tamed. Exotic pets are not always welcomed in flats or apartments, particularly ones as noisy as a cockatoo.

A young white cockatoo may be friendly & enjoy being held or patted, but this often changes as the bird grows older.

Australian white sulphur crested cockatoos

As with any pet, particular requirements are needed before bringing the pet home. Too many pet owners realise that a pet Cockatoo is not the best pet choice for their family.

The bird is then ignored, mistreated, moved on to another family who is also not prepared, or, most detrimental of all, freed into the wild. Make sure you do your due diligence before buying any pet.

Here are a few things to consider before you buy a white cockatoo

  • Budget: Do you have the funds necessary to buy the bird, pay for a good-sized cage, feed the cockatoo quality food, stock toys to keep the bird entertained, & take the bird to an avian vet continuously? Unlike some birds, they do not do great on a diet of mere birdseed. You’ll need to spend time & funds to provide them with a healthy diet for their species.
  • Time: Do you have the time to spend training, picking up after, & enjoying the bird? Cockatoos are social birds, & they require attention. Can you deal with bird droppings & damage to your furniture?
  • Future changes: Do you anticipate moving or adding a child to your house? Many birds end up as rescues because a child was born, & the new parents no longer have the chance to dedicate themselves to a bird. Cockatoos can live for over fifty years, so they are not a short-term responsibility.
  • Space: Not only do these birds need a large cage, but they need to have some time outside their enclosure in a safe environment. Usually, numerous hours a day.
  • Noise: A young white cockatoo may be very quiet, but it may start to screech – aloud as they grow older. You’ll need to be adjusted for your bird to make extremely loud sounds.
  • Allergies: If somebody in your family is allergic to feathers, a cockatoo (or any bird) is not a good option for a pet. Cockatoos have a fine, white powder mist on their feathers that some individuals are allergic to.
  • Other pets: A dog or a cat may not take warmly to a bird living in their house & may try to harm the bird. A mature child may beg for a bird, but are they mature enough? Also, your child will probably leave for university or their apartment in a few years. Will you be willing to take care of the bird if they can’t take it with them? Always keep in understanding that cockatoos possess a long life span.
  • Children: Small children shouldn’t be allowed around a cockatoo. It can be dangerous to the child & the Cockatoo.

Australian white sulphur crested cockatoos

To buy a bird, you’ll probably want to visit a specialty store that deals with exotic birds and can explain their needs to you. Another option is breeders. Visit the breeder and see the environment where the birds are kept.

A knowledgeable breeder can go a long way in helping you set up a safe environment for your bird. Remember, though, that they are trying to sell you a bird and might not always be truthful about the care and investment needed. Bird rescues are another place to locate cockatoos to adopt.

Some people think they should buy two cockatoos and keep them together.

Australian White Cockatoo Care Guide

Australian white cockatoos require a lot of care and attention to ensure they are healthy and happy. Here is a general care guide for these birds:

  1. Provide a spacious and secure environment: Australian white cockatoos need plenty of space to fly and play, so it is important to provide a large cage or aviary for them to live in. The cage should have plenty of perches, toys, and other items for the bird to interact with. It should also be secure, with solid and well-made bars and locks to prevent the bird from escaping.
  2. Offer a varied and balanced diet: Australian white cockatoos are omnivorous and need a varied diet that includes seeds, nuts, fruits, and vegetables, as well as a small amount of protein in the form of eggs, tofu, or cooked beans. Providing a balanced diet that meets the bird’s nutritional needs is important.
  3. Provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation: Australian white cockatoos are intelligent and need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. This can include providing toys and activities for the bird to play with, training the bird to do tricks or tasks, and interacting with the bird regularly.
  4. Keep the bird’s environment clean: Australian white cockatoos can be quite messy, with feathers and food scattered everywhere. It is important to keep the bird’s environment clean by removing dirty food and water dishes, cleaning up any messes, and regularly changing the bedding or litter.
  5. Provide regular medical care: Australian white cockatoos require regular medical check-ups to ensure that they are healthy. This can include regular visits to an avian veterinarian and administering any necessary medications or treatments.

Following these guidelines can help ensure that your Australian white Cockatoo stays healthy and happy.

Australian white cockatoo

More Australian Cockatoo Facts

Are white cockatoos native to Australia?

Yes, white cockatoos are native to Australia. Several species of white cockatoos are native to the country, including Major Mitchell’s cockatoos, galahs, and red-tailed cockatoos.

These birds are found in various habitats, including open forests, woodlands, and savannas, and are known for their distinctive white feathers and bright red or pink patches on their tails and wings.

They are social birds and are often found in flocks of up to several hundred individuals. White cockatoos are vocal and are known for their loud, raucous calls.

Are white cockatoos good pets?

White cockatoos can make good pets but are also very demanding and require a lot of attention and care. These birds are intelligent and can be very social, but they also have a lot of energy and can become bored or destructive if not properly cared for.

They need a lot of physical and mental stimulation and a lot of space to fly and play. They also need a consistent daily routine and a healthy, varied diet.

White cockatoos are also very loud and can be quite vocal, which can be a problem for people living in close quarters or with sensitive hearing. They are also known to be quite messy, with feathers and food scattered everywhere.

Before bringing one into your home, consider whether a white cockatoo is the right pet. These birds require a lot of time, attention, and care and may not be suitable for everyone.

It is also illegal to capture and sell white cockatoos in many parts of the world, so it is important to ensure that you are obtaining your bird from a reputable source.

How many white cockatoos are left in the world?

It is difficult to say exactly how many white cockatoos are left in the world, as their populations can vary widely depending on the specific species and region.

Some species of white cockatoos, such as Major Mitchell’s cockatoos and galahs, have relatively stable populations and are not considered to be at risk of extinction.

Other species, such as the red-tailed Cockatoo, are listed as vulnerable and are at risk of extinction due to habitat loss and other human activities.

It is important to support conservation efforts to protect white cockatoos and other threatened species. This can include supporting organisations that work to protect and preserve the habitats of these birds, as well as raising awareness about the importance of conservation and the threats facing these species.

Australian white cockatoo

What is a cockatoo’s favourite food?

Australian white cockatoos are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals. They have a varied diet and feed on a variety of seeds, nuts, fruits, and insects.

What is cockatoos’ favourite food? Cockatoos will love to munch on seeds and nuts but remember they should account for only a portion of their diet. They also love sweet fruits such as bananas, strawberries, and apples (with the core taken out), which should be 10% of their diets.

Some of their favourite foods include:

  • Seeds: White cockatoos are known to feed on a variety of seeds, including grass seeds, eucalyptus seeds, and acacia seeds.
  • Nuts: These birds are also known to feed on nuts, including eucalyptus nuts and pine nuts.
  • Fruits: White cockatoos are fond of various fruits, including berries, apples, pears, and figs.
  • Insects: White cockatoos also feed on insects, including termites, beetles, and grasshoppers.

In addition to these foods, white cockatoos may also feed on other plant materials, such as leaves, flowers, and nectar. It is important to provide a varied and balanced diet for these birds to ensure they receive all the nutrients they need.

What does an Australian white cockatoo eat?

Australian white sulphur crested cockatoos

How smart is a cockatoo?

Cockatoos are recognisable by their showy crests and curved bills. These incredibly social birds have endearing personalities and extraordinary speaking abilities. A part of their extreme intelligence is their ability to imitate a wide variety of sounds and speech.

How long does a white cockatoo live?

40 – 60 years In captivity
White cockatoo/Lifespan
The maximal lifespan of the white Cockatoo is poorly documented. A few zoos report that they live 40–60 years in captivity. Unconfirmed reports suggest it can live longer. Lifespan in the wild is unknown but believed to be as much as ten years less.

Other Species Of Parrots In Australia

  1. The Australian king parrot is a large parrot native to eastern Australia. It has a distinctive red head, upper body, green lower body, and wings.
  2. The Australian ringneck, also known as the mulga parrot or the pink-tailed parrot, is a small to medium-sized parrot native to arid regions of central and western Australia. It has a green body, wings, and a distinctive pink or red ring around its neck.
  3. The Australian rosella is a brightly coloured parrot native to eastern and south-eastern Australia. It has a red head and breast, a blue cheek patch, and a green body and wings.
  4. The budgerigar, also known as the common pet parakeet or shell parakeet, is a small, brightly coloured parrot native to central Australia. It is a popular pet known for its ability to mimic human speech.
  5. The eastern rosella is a brightly coloured parrot native to eastern Australia. It is similar in appearance to the Australian rosella but has a more extensive red patch on its head and breast.
  6. The galah is a medium-sized pink and grey parrot native to mainland Australia. It is a common and widespread species often seen in large flocks.
  7. Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo, also known as the pink Cockatoo, is a large white cockatoo with a distinctive pink and red crest and a pale pink or peach breast. It is native to arid regions of central and western Australia.
  8. The Port Lincoln parrot is a small, brightly coloured parrot native to southern Australia. It has a green body and wings, a blue head and breasts, and a red patch on its belly.
  9. The red-tailed black Cockatoo is a large black cockatoo with a distinctive red tail. It is native to northern and eastern Australia.
  10. The red-tailed Cockatoo is a medium-sized white cockatoo with a distinctive red tail. It is native to eastern Australia.
  11. The red-winged parrot is a small, brightly coloured parrot native to northern and eastern Australia. It has a green body and wings, a blue head, and a red patch on its wings.
  12. The splendid parrot is a small, brightly coloured parrot native to eastern and central Australia. It has a green body and wings, a blue head, and a red patch on its belly.
  13. The western rosella is a brightly coloured parrot native to western Australia. It is similar in appearance to the Australian rosella but has a more extensive blue cheek patch.
  14. The white-tailed black Cockatoo is a large black cockatoo with a distinctive white tail. It is native to eastern and southern Australia.
  15. The yellow-tailed black Cockatoo is a large black cockatoo with a distinctive yellow tail. It is native to eastern and southern Australia.

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