The Lifespan of a Citron Cockatoo

Cockatoos are one of the longest living members of the parrot family, some living to over 100 years. The citron cockatoo, so named for the bright orange crest on its head, is one of 21 cockatoo species. Citron cockatoos are sought-after pets, because they are sociable, friendly and fairly quiet. Although they are not as good at imitating humans as some parrots, they can learn a small vocabulary of 15 words or phrases.

  1. Lifespan

    • Citron cockatoos are, like most parrots, unique among birds because of their long lifespans. Citron cockatoos can live longer than 65 years, which is only a little less than the average human lifespan. Although they tend to have a shorter life in captivity, these birds do require a lifelong commitment on the part of a pet owner. Cockatoos reach sexual maturity between 2 and 3, and the females will have two to six eggs that take about 30 days to hatch.

    Description

    • Citron cockatoos are mostly white, with yellow ear coverts, yellowish feathers on the undersides of their tails and wings and have the characteristic orange crest, which they flare when angry. All citron cockatoos are born with black eyes, but at the age of 1 the females' will turn red, while the males' will remain black. They have black beaks, which are larger in males and gray legs. Males tend to have a more intense crest color.

    Native Habitat

    • Citron cockatoos are native to the the jungle areas of Lesser Sunda Islands and Sumba in Indonesia. They are endangered due to habitat loss and illegal trapping for the pet trade. In 1992, their population, according to a 2006 study by Cahill, Walker and Marsden, was about 3,200. The same study showed that by 2002 their numbers had increased by almost 100 percent in one area of Indonesia, but their numbers are still dangerously low.

    As Pets

    • Before buying a citron cockatoo, make sure it has a CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna) certificate to prove that it was bred in captivity. As friendly and social as they may be, they are not easy pets to own, as they can become demanding and destructive, especially with wooden items. Be sure to give them many things to chew on. They are also known to bite humans and scream on occasion and should be trained. Citron cockatoos need lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Spirulina enhances the color on their feathers.