What Type of Animal Is a Cockatoo?

Cockatoos are a species of bird that are found in the wild and often domesticated as pets. They can be distinguished from other birds because of their white or pink feathers, black or red-brown eyes and large black beaks. According to the Animal World website, cockatoos have mobile crests on their heads, or feathers that occasionally fold up vertically. These birds are found throughout Australia and Indonesia in tropical rain forests, grassy plains or dry savannahs.

  1. Types of Cockatoos

    • According to the Animal World website, there are 18 species and 37 sub-species of cockatoos worldwide. Due to importation restrictions, not all species are as well-known or domesticated. The most common include the umbrella cockatoo, mollucan cockatoo, Goffin's cockatoo and the yellow-crested cockatoo. The umbrella is completely white, while the mollucan can have a pink tinge to its feathers. Goffin's are smaller than other species and have white feathers with pink highlights. Yellow-crested are also a small species, with yellow feathers on their crest.

    Behavior

    • Cockatoos are very social animals that live in flocks in the wild. These birds can become bored easily without lots of attention and affection from other cockatoos or their owner. Bored cockatoos develop bad habits, such as screeching or feather-plucking, which can be difficult to break. For pet owners who wish to have only one cockatoo, the bird will require even more attention throughout the day. The Animal World website recommends owning cockatoo in pairs, or at least one cockatoo and another bird species of a similar size. Cockatoos can be taught to talk, dance and play with toys.

    Habitat

    • Domesticated cockatoos should be kept in cages that are at least three times their wingspan with horizontal bars. The cage should have one or two 3/4-inch diameter perches and food and water dishes that hang from the cage bars. Avoid plastic, as cockatoos' beaks are very strong and can chew through weak materials. Concrete perches in the cage are durable and keep nails trimmed. The bird's cage should be kept in a sunny, frequently visited room at eye-level, away from drafts. Cockatoos can also be housed in indoor or outdoor aviaries.

    Care

    • Cockatoos should be given fresh water daily and given a diet of large hookbill seed mix. Supplements can include cut up apples, pears, lettuce and peaches. Avoid avocado, which is toxic to birds. A cockatoo's water and food dishes should be cleaned daily, as well as a quick wipe of feather dust. The cage's bottom trays and soiled litter should be changed twice a week. Toys and perches should be washed once a week, and the entire cage should be cleaned once a month.