What Is a Cockatoo?

With their curved beaks, bright colors, and perky crests, cockatoos are one of the most popular pets. They often live in large flocks and use harsh sounds to communicate with one another through dense foliage. They also have a unique digital arrangement on their feet that allows them to grip branches and food with precision.

They’re a member of the parrot family

Cockatoos are among the most popular birds kept as pets. They are playful, affectionate and bonded to their owners. However, they also have a tendency to destroy property and become neurotic if they are not given enough attention.

These birds often forage in noisy flocks and have long lifespans. They occupy a variety of habitats, from forests in subalpine regions to mangroves. They may eat a variety of plant foods but prefer fruits, seeds and nuts.

They are monogamous and form pair bonds that last for years. In the wild, they nest in tree cavities and hollows. They add leafy branches to the nest before laying eggs. Typically, both male and female incubate the eggs.

They’re a flightless bird

The cockatoo is a flightless bird with a large beak and elaborate head crest that can be raised or lowered to convey mood. They have a unique arrangement of digital toes (zygodactyly), which gives them the ability to grip branches and climb trees.

Cockatoos often squawk when they’re excited or alarmed. They may also hiss when they’re upset or irritated. If they’re not properly trained, cockatoos can become loud and destructive.

Hand-raised cockatoos are easier to tame than wild or colony-raised birds. They should be gently stroked on the head, not the body, as stroking the latter can cause unintended hormonal stimulation and sexual frustration in the bird.

They’re a noisy bird

Cockatoos are very vocal birds. Their sounds may seem grating or annoying to other people, especially when they’re in distress. Their contact calls can be heard for a mile or more in the wild. They’re also loud indoors and aren’t recommended for apartment complexes. Their constant screaming can splinter good relations with neighbors.

In captivity, cockatoos often vocalize when they’re hungry, thirsty, bored, or angry. They may also become depressed if they feel ignored. Keeping a bird journal can help you learn your pet’s unique vocabulary and understand their moods. It can also alert you to any changes in their behavior that could signal an underlying illness or problem.

They’re a curious bird

Cockatoos are one of Australia’s most distinctive, intelligent bird species. However, their curiosity often leads them into trouble. They’ve been known to raid bird feeders, chew wood decking and destroy house fittings. They’re also notorious for flipping the lids of wheelie bins.

As such, people who keep cockatoos as pets need to be prepared to give them lots of attention. They need to be handled and socialized for at least two hours a day. Moreover, they must have a variety of chew toys to keep their strong beak from overgrowing. They’re also prone to infections and diseases. Therefore, it’s important to provide them with a healthy diet and plenty of playtime.

They’re a nocturnal bird

Cockatoos are nomadic birds and will travel in large flocks to areas where there is an abundant food supply. They feed on grasses, berries, seeds, nuts and roots. They can also eat cultivated crops, which makes them a pest to farmers.

They can be very noisy, especially when they are roosting at night. This behavior can be a sign of boredom, so it’s important to keep them occupied by rotating toys and encouraging exercise outside the cage.

The signature crest on top of their head can tell you a lot about the bird’s mood. It stands up erect when the bird is excited or alarmed.

They’re a pest bird

Cockatoos can be serious pests, especially when living close to farms, vines, orchards and suburban areas. They can destroy gardens, chew through wires and cause costly damage to grains and crops. The Sulphur-crested Cockatoo is particularly invasive, breeding from August to January and damaging horticultural crops, and also injuring buildings and synthetic sports fields.

If you are considering adopting a cockatoo, consider getting one that was hand-raised, as it will be easier to tame and train. It’s important to avoid constant petting, as this can lead to behavior problems later on. Keeping your bird busy with a variety of toys will help them burn off energy and avoid boredom, which can cause destructive or loud behavior.