Cockatoos (family Cacatuidae) are a distinctive group of parrots known for their impressive crests and strong, curved bills. They are primarily native to Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands, and are renowned for their intelligence, social behavior, and loud vocalizations.
  • Belong to the parrot order Psittaciformes but have unique traits like a movable crest.
  • Crest feathers are used for communication and display.
  • Feathers can be white, black, pink, or a combination, often with striking contrasts.
  • Highly social and often form large flocks in the wild.
  • Known for strong beaks capable of cracking nuts and climbing.
Cockatoos are unique among parrots for their movable crests, which they use for communication and display.

Major Genera and Species

Cockatoos are divided into several genera, with Cacatua being the most well-known. Here are some iconic species:
Common NameScientific NameNotable TraitsNative Region
Sulphur-crested CockatooCacatua galeritaBright yellow crest, very vocal, highly adaptableAustralia, New Guinea
Major Mitchell’s CockatooLophochroa leadbeateriPink and white plumage, elegant crestAustralia
GalahEolophus roseicapillaRose-pink and grey, very socialAustralia
Black CockatooMultiple species (Calyptorhynchus)Strong beaks for hard seeds, mostly black plumage with red or yellow accentsAustralia
Bare-eyed CockatooCacatua sanguineaWhite with blue skin around eyes, very sociableAustralia
Ara is a genus of macaws, not cockatoos.
Cockatoos are native to Australia, New Guinea, and some adjacent islands.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita)

Perhaps the most recognizable cockatoo, the sulphur-crested cockatoo sports a bright yellow crest and is known for its loud, raucous calls. These birds are highly social and intelligent, often seen in large flocks and known for their ability to mimic human speech.
  • Crest: Bright yellow, used for communication.
  • Plumage: Mostly white.
  • Behavior: Very social, often considered pests due to crop damage.
  • Range: Eastern Australia, New Guinea.

Major Mitchell's Cockatoo (Lophochroa leadbeateri)

Famed for its striking pink and white coloration, Major Mitchell's cockatoo also features a beautiful crest with bands of pink and yellow. It prefers arid and semi-arid inland regions and is less common in the pet trade due to its more specialized habitat requirements.
  • Crest: Pink with yellow and red bands.
  • Plumage: Soft pink and white.
  • Habitat: Arid and semi-arid zones.
  • Range: Inland Australia.

Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla)

Known for their rose-pink and grey feathers, galahs are among the most widespread and adaptable cockatoos in Australia. They are highly social, often forming large flocks, and are known for their playful behavior.
  • Crest: Short and pink.
  • Plumage: Pink chest and face, grey back and wings.
  • Behavior: Very social and gregarious.
  • Range: Widespread across Australia.

Black Cockatoos (Genera Calyptorhynchus and Zanda)

Black cockatoos are distinguished by their predominantly black plumage, often accented with bright red or yellow markings. They have powerful beaks adapted for cracking hard seeds and are less vocal compared to their white relatives. Some species are threatened due to habitat loss.
  • Plumage: Mostly black with colored accents.
  • Beak: Very strong, adapted for tough seeds.
  • Conservation: Some species are endangered.
  • Range: Australia.

Bare-eyed Cockatoo (Cacatua sanguinea)

The bare-eyed cockatoo features a distinctive patch of blue skin around the eyes, contrasting with its white feathers. It is highly social and often travels in large, noisy flocks. This species is also known as the little corella.
  • Eyes: Blue, bare skin around eyes.
  • Plumage: White with occasional pale pink.
  • Behavior: Very social.
  • Range: Northern and central Australia.

Conclusion

Cockatoos (family Cacatuidae) are charismatic parrots known for their crests, intelligence, and strong social bonds. Distinctive among parrots, they hail primarily from Australia and New Guinea, with species adapted to diverse habitats from urban areas to arid interiors.
  • Crested, social, and highly intelligent members of Psittaciformes.
  • Native mainly to Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands.
  • Iconic species include the sulphur-crested cockatoo, galah, and major Mitchell’s cockatoo.