Behavior of the Moluccan Cockatoo

The Moluccan cockatoo, also known as the salmon-crested cockatoo, is a highly emotional bird whose behaviors reflect that fact. Fulfill his needs and you've got a happy camper with lot of love to share. If you fail to do that, serious behavioral problems can ensue. Owning a Moluccan cockatoo comes with great responsibility.

  1. Temperament

    • The Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) isn't the easiest bird to own. While he's very smart, he's also noisy and demanding. That doesn't mean a Moluccan cockatoo doesn't have a good personality. But a captive bird of this species will want a lot of your time and attention. If you chose a bird instead of a dog for a pet because of time constraints, the Moluccan cockatoo was the wrong pick. If he doesn't receive adequate attention and regular, supervised playtime out of the cage, self-destructive behavior such as feather-picking or chewing begins. When you can't be with your bird, make sure he has lot of toys in his large cage to occupy himself until you return.

    Vocalizations

    • A Moluccan cockatoo learns to speak and mimic very quickly. He learns songs, and you'll hear him sing his favorites from the radio, stereo or TV. That's the sweet, fun behavior. The not-so-fun behavior can involve very loud screaming. According to the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators, the Moluccan cockatoo has "one of the louder calls in the parrot world." An emotionally well-adjusted cockatoo shouldn't make excessive noise. An unhappy Moluccan can drive you crazy with noise. For that reason, the Moluccan often winds up rehomed or surrendered to a bird sanctuary.

    Breeding

    • A Moluccan cockatoo reaches sexual maturity at about age 5 or 6. When a male decides to court a female, he goes all out. He puffs out his chest, spreads his tail feathers and raises his wings. His crest stands up -- even though it stays backward -- and he starts strutting. If his intended accepts him, the two start preening each others' heads and tail areas. Once bonded, cockatoos mate for life. The hen generally lays two eggs, which hatch in approximately one month.

    Bonding

    • If your Moluccan cockatoo loves you, he'll do anything within his avian capabilities to make you happy. On the downside, he may also be jealous and might attack your significant other, friends or family members if he perceives them as threats. If these behaviors develop, let him know it's unacceptable with loving but firm discipline, such as immediately putting him back in the cage, turning off the light and leaving the room when he acts out. In serious cases, you might require the services of a professional bird trainer. Moluccan cockatoos not only bond strongly with one person, but also with their cockatoo mate, if they have one. Cage mates should be of opposite sexes. Separation from either their person or mate might result in an emotionally disturbed bird.