Cockatoo: The Charismatic and Intelligent Parrot
Introduction:
The cockatoo is a parrot tribe within the family Cacatuidae that focuses on their unique character and charm. They are curios, social, and gregarious birds that are spread in Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and some selected islands. Because of their ability to speak and mimic human sounds, these birds make perfect pets and create utmost intrigue amongst bird watchers across the globe.
Amazing Facts:
- Vocal Capacity: Unlike other breeds, they possess the ability to mimic human talking and some environmental noises but do not have the vocabulary of an African grey parrot.
- Crest Display: They display their emotions by raising their crest feathers, which they do during excitement, fear, curiosity, and others.
- Lifespan: Depending on the species, they are capable of living to the ages of forty to seventy years if there is proper management.
- Tool Use: In some species of cockatoos, the use of sticks or leaves as tools has been recorded and observed.
- Feather Dust: Like the African Greys, Parrots do have dust that is similar to theirs but in powdered form. It helps maintain their appearance; however, it is not recommended for those who are sensitive to dust.
- Dangers of Capture: Their formidable beaks are capable of crushing nuts and tearing apart wooden furniture. They can use the toys they deem “unfit” for them as alternatives.
Habitat and Food:
Habitat:
- It ranges from forests, woodlands, and savannahs to mangrove regions in Australia.
- Some species are also adaptable to arid and dry rocky regions.
Diet in the Wild:
- Eucalyptus seeds
- Nuts
- Berries and figs
- Flowers, buds and even insects and larvae
Diet in Captivity:
- Fresh vegetables and fruits like apples, carrots, or greens
- Moderate amounts of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds
- Pelleted bird food
- Occasionally, cooked seeds or grains
- Fresh water
- Grown Fruits and Vegetables
Appearance:
Their diet includes various nuts and seeds. The look of their heads is very distinct. Their features are very exotic. From their eyes to the feathers of their head, which come in colours like grey, white, and black. Their crests give it a resemblance to that of the flamboyant bird, hence the ammonym Valentine’s Bird.
Physical Aspects:
- Size: The range from Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo’s 12 inch size to Palm Cockatoo’s 24 inch size is brief; however, this group’s size variation is quite impressive.
- Crest Feathers: The feathers are meant for display and serve a communicative purpose.
- Beak: An object designed for climbing and cracking various nuts, it is curved and strong.
- Feet: Two toes pointing backward and two forward enable grasping of the branches.
Types/Subspecies of Cockatoos:
They have more than 21 kinds, which can be classified into three overarching groups:
White Cockatoos:
- Sulfur-Crested Cockatoo: (Cacatua galerita)
- Umbrella Cockatoo: (Cacatua alba)
- Corella Cockatoo: (Cacatua sanguinea)
Black Cockatoos:
- Palm Cockatoo: (Probosciger aterrimus)
- Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo: (Calyptorhynchus banksii)
- Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoo: (Calypte funereus)
Pink Cockatoos:
- Galah: (Eolophus roseicapilla)
- Cockatoo (Lophochroa leadbeateri)
- Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus)
Threats and Predators:
Natural Predators:
Threats:
- A variety of tree removals and other parts of the environment are being changed.
- The collection of pets.
- Hunting in specific regions.
- Spraying of poison in a variety of pesticides and other harmful material.
Mating and reproductions:
They are single-bonding birds; hence, they mate for life. In a pair, there is a male and female who work together to rear their offspring.
Breeding Information:
- Nesting: They prefer to nest in hollow logs and tree cavities.
- Clutch Size: The normal number of eggs in a clutch is two to five.
- Incubation Period: Between 20 and 30 days, we share the incubation together.
- Chick Development: Altricial chicks are those that hatch without feathers and are unable to see. Fully matured, capable of flight between 8-12 weeks.
- Parental Care: Parents give food and protection to chicks after they hatch until independence.
How do they communicate?
They actively engage in communication through many means, as they are social creatures.
- Vocalising: They can express emotions or call out to the rest of the flock and even attempt to call a mate by squawking and whistling.
- Drumming: Palm cockatoos use sticks to drum against hollow logs during courtship, which produces sound.
Movies featuring Cockatoo:
Due to their extremely smart and cute nature, they, together with other bird species, are featured in films and TV programs.
- Baretta (TV Show): A toucan companion, Fred, of the main character, a pet bird, appears in the show.
- Madagascar 2005: “Rico,” as the character is called, is based on a cockatoo, but he has been given other interesting features.
- The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill (2003): While focused on wild parrots, it gives a glimpse of the intellect and emotions in parrots.
FAQs:
Q. How easy is it to train them?
A. They are very cognitively advanced creatures. They are capable of solving puzzles, sound-imitating, and grasping many abstract concepts.
Q. What do they fear the most?
A. Above all, losing their natural environment through deforestation, illegal pet trade, other animal hunting, and poaching.
Q. What are the forms of communication of cockatoos?
A. They can communicate with each other and with their environment through show calls, movements, and sounds.
Q. How differ white from black cockatoos?
A. Black cockatoos, although more difficult to tame, are less frequently kept and are larger than the more popular white cockatoos, which are kept in captivity.
Q. Do they bond for life the same way some other species do?
A. Yes, research indicates that there are several species of them that exhibit pair bonds for life.
Q. Are they deafening?
A. Yes, as most people know, they are very loud. This is especially true of their nature to vocal call, which is at a very high decibel level.