Lesser sulphur-crested cockatoos are small white cockatoos with a yellow recurved crest. They can be distinguished from medium sulphur crested cockatoos by size and the presence of a large yellow ear patch in the Lesser. The underside of the flight feathers are yellow. Lesser sulphur-crested cockatoos are found on Sulawesi Island in Indonesia. They inhabit forest edge, woodland and cultivated areas, and are sparsely distributed throughout their range. They feed in trees and on the ground, feeding on seeds, crops, fruits, berries, buds, flowers and nuts, including immature coconuts.
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| Lesser Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos |
They are most active in early morning and late afternoon. They are usually found in pairs or small flocks. Length is 13 to 14 inches. Weight is 250-400 grams. Males are generally larger than females and have larger heads and beaks. Lesser sulphur-crested cockatoos can live up to 40 years. Precise data on life span of the average Lesser sulphur-crested cockatoo is poorly documented. Many secumb to disease or injury rather than living for their potential lifespan. Lesser sulphur-crested breed well in the United States. Breeding age can be as young as 2 years but is often up to 4-6 years, especially in hand-fed birds. Breeding life span is not precisely known but is possibly up to 25+ years.
Personality
Lesser sulphur-crested cockatoos are active, high-energy birds. They are gentle and playful, but tend to be shy. Lesser sulphur-crested don’t often speak well. They are not so demanding and possessive as the larger white cockatoos. |
| Lesser Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos |
Activities
Lesser sulphur-crested cockatoos are inquisitive and love to chew objects in their surroundings but are not as destructive as other cockatoos. They should always be provided with toys, blocks of wood or branches that they can chew. In order to ensure safety companion cockatoos should not be allowed unsupervised freedom in the home as they often encounter toxins or dangerous items. Young cockatoos should be socialized to many people and exposed to a variety of situations such as new cages, toys, visits to the veterinarian, handling by friends, wing and nail clips, etc. to avoid fear of novel situations. They need to have some space for exercise.Dietary Needs
Cockatoos should be fed a formulated (pelleted or extruded diet) as a basis for good nutrition. Kaytee Exact is a good choice for their staple diet. The diet should be supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables daily to add variety and
