Sulphur Crested Cockatoos or Cacatua Galerita
Sulphur-crested Cockatoos are large parrots, ranging between 44 - 51cm in length, with a wingspan of up to 103cm. The feathers on their neck and head are white with concealed pale yellow. There are also yellow
markings underneath their wings which can be seen when flying. Sulphur-crested Cockatoos have a distinctive yellow crest on the back of their head which sticks up when alarmed. They also have a dark black bill. Male and female birds are similar in appearance.
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| Sulphur Crested Cockatoos |
Australia is home to an incredibly diverse group of birds, of which one of the most cheeky and intelligent is the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. Its screeching call is a familiar sound in forests and woodlands right across Australia. Cockatoos are a popular pet right across the world. Cockatoos use a natural alarm system to alert them of predators when feeding on the ground. At least one cockatoo will sit in a tree and watch over other cockatoos. If the watcher senses there is danger present they will screech loudly to alter feeding birds until the flock flies to safety. Sulphur-crested Cockatoos are extremely intelligent. In captivity, people have been able to teach them to talk. Sulphur-crested Cockatoos line their nest with rotting wood and wood shavings.
In northern Australia, Sulphur-crested Cockatoos group in pairs or small parties. In southern Australia, they can congregate in large flocks.
Diet
The Sulphur-crested Cockatoo diet includes grass seeds, plants, nuts and insects. Feeding normally takes place in small to large groups, in the mornings and evenings. When they are not feeding Sulphur-crested
Cockatoos will bite off smaller branches and leaves from trees. This pruning and clipping keeps their bills trimmed and in good condition.
Habitat
Sulphur-crested Cockatoos are found in a wide variety of habitats with trees, often near water. The birds do not migrate and usually stay around the same area year round. They have adapted well to living on farms and in cities.
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| Sulphur Crested Cockatoos |
Distribution
Sulphur-crested Cockatoos are widespread through out north, east and south-east Australia. They are widespread throughout Victoria, though generally less common in the Mallee, some parts of the Western District, High Country and far East Gippsland.Breeding
Sulphur-crested Cockatoos usually nest in tree hollows of dead or mature trees. The females lay between one and four eggs which are incubated (kept warm) by both the male and female. The chicks emerge covered in a pale yellow down with their eyes closed. The chicks remain with the parents, and family groups often stay
together. Each flock has its own roosting (sleeping and resting) site which is rarely deserted. In fact, individuals and small groups can come together in groups of up to several thousand birds. They are most vocal at roosts in the early morning and late afternoon.
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| Sulphur Crested Cockatoos |
You Lovely
To help protect the habitat of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, you can retain old trees around your property, as only the old trees develop the hollows which are required for nesting. You can also plant trees that are native to your area. This will ensure that Cockatoos and other wildlife have suitable habitat in the future. Contact your local nursery for a list of plants native to your area. Cockatoos may be considered a pest in some
areas due to the damage they can cause when maintaining their bills. If you are having problems with cockatoos in your area.
