All About Umbrella & Moluccan Cockatoos
Science and Personalities
Both the Umbrella and Moluccan (also known as a salmon crested) are native to Indonesia and live around 70 to 80 years and grow around 20 inches. Both can be incredible sweet, affectionate and amazing companions however they are considered velcro birds meaning they like to be with their companions close to 27/4. These birds may bite if they are upset or don't have enough enrichment like most other birds. They both require a good steady supply of toys and enrichment because if they get bored they will let our a loud and continuous scream. They can mimic sounds and words but not all the time but can be quite noisy .These birds also can let off quite a bit of dust and dander so keep that in mind!
Extra Facts & Health
Umbrella's are normally all white with yellow underneath their wings and females may have more red eyes while males may have more brown eyes. Males also might be larger than females. Moluccans on the other hand are a peachy white color and have light yellow underneath the wings. males will have black eyes and females will have more brown eyes. Both may pick at or pull out their feathers if they get depressed or need mental stimulation. They are also prone to psittacine beak and feather disease.
All About Sulfur & Citron Crested Cockatoos
Science and Personalities
The sulfur-crested cockatoo is native to areas of Australia, while the citron is native to regions of Indonesia! These birds range in size as sulfurs will get 20 inches and weigh around 2 pounds while living 80 years, and the citron will grow to 15 inches in a shorter lifespan of 50 years. These cockatoos are playful and affectionate but need lots of handling and training. However, the temperament of the sulfur is much of a toddler as they are emotionally complex and can be confusing when handling, so they are no bird for a beginner. On the other hand, the citron is quieter and reserved but still very intelligent and will love being around its owners, yet still needs an experienced handler.
Extra Facts & Health
These birds share a similar appearance of white feathers with grey feet and beaks, except sulfurs have yellow plumage, and citrons have more of an orange plumage with yellow cheeks! Both of these species are healthy but are susceptible to psittacosis-like diseases.
All About Galah and Corella Cockatoos
Science and Personalities
Both of these birds are native to Australia and live 40 to 50 years; however, Corellas will be slightly larger at 14 to 16 inches, while galahs will grow about 12 to 15 inches. Both of these birds can live in large flocks in grassy areas! Galahs and Corellas can be goofy and loving pets, but their differences lie in affection and temperament. The Corellas are more affectionate, but Galahs can warm up! However, male galahs seem a little more complicated and stubborn than females. Galahs and Corellas love to vocalize and can be pretty noisy, and they will love to dance when excited and hop! Both of these birds can be high maintenance and require lots of time, and they need to be provided lots of exercise and playtime due to their never-ending energy supply.
Extra Facts & Health
Galahs have markings of pinkish-red faces, chests, gray backs, wings, tail feathers, and feet. On the other hand, Corellas are all white with grey feet, but they may have a touch of salmon coloring on their faces or yellow underneath the wings. The appearance will vary since there are tons of varieties of corellas, such as ducorps, goffin, red vented, and more! Galahs overall are not very prone to disease and mainly have struggles in the dietary field, while Corellas are very prone to psittacosis like most cockatoos.
All About Black Palm Cockatoos
Science and Personalities
The palm cockatoo, also known as the goliath cockatoo, is the largest species native to Australia. These birds reach 22 to 24 inches and can weigh 3 pounds in their lifespan of 80 to 90 years! These cockatoos are relatively tame and not super affectionate but require an experienced owner. Palms will need a lot of training and interaction to maintain a tame and sweet personality. Fun fact: Palms make drumsticks out of branches in the woods to impress their mate! This bird can vocalize quite often, and their natural call sounds like "hello," but they can also be excellent talkers. These birds don't seem like biters, but on the occasion it happens, these beaks are large and strong and can cause injury. Like other parrots, these birds need a lot of mental and physical enrichment opportunities.
Extra Facts & Health
Palms are very dark in color, with a bright red patch near the beak and a different plume than other cockatoos. They have unique beak/mouth structures as well, with a red tongue with a black ending and a wider mouth that cannot close fully. Both males and females have this appearance, so DNA testing is the way to go! These birds are relatively healthy but can experience kidney problems, bacterial infections, and, psittacine beak and feather disease.
All About Major Mitchell's Cockatoos
Science and Personalities
Major Mitchell's cockatoos are native to Australia, grow to about 13 to 15 inches, and will weigh around 15 ounces during a lifespan of 80 years in captivity. These birds can become extremely bonded with their owners to the point they may bite others who get near. They can be sweet and affectionate but only to the right people, and they do not like it when their owners are away. Majors will need daily socialization and can learn tricks as well. They love to vocalize by whistling and talking. These birds require exceptional care as they are extremely strong and can break welds on poorly made cages, and they might need special cage locks as they may damage the typical ones. They need tons of exercise, play, and daily baths to maintain a happy lifestyle.
Extra Facts & Health
Major Mitchell Cockatoos are the only cockatoos with a multicolored crest with orange, white, yellow, and pink, while the rest of their body is pink and white. While males tend to be brighter than females, it may be hard to tell them apart. This cockatoo is pretty healthy and doesn't experience health issues, but they seem very prone to becoming depressed and feather-pulling since they need so much attention and care.
All About Gang-Gang Cockatoos
Science and Personalities
Gang Gang Cockatoos are native to Australia and grow to about 14 to 16 inches and weigh in at about 8 ounces in their lifespan of about 50 years. These birds make creaky little sounds when they vocalize, similar to a rusty hinge or a low growl. These birds are known to be charismatic, goofy, and intelligent! Gang-gangs love playtime and can be affectionate, so prepare to give much of your attention to this feathered friend. These charming little birds can run relatively high in price due to rarity, so you'll be spending quite a bit if you choose to own one.
Extra Facts & Health
Males of this species have a distinct red head and crest, while females will be slate grey from head to toe with a touch of pink. This bird's crest is more wispy and doesn't give the same look as an umbrella. These cockatoos are relatively healthy, but like others in the cockatoo family, they are prone to feather plucking when bored or depressed.
All About Yellow Tailed & Red Tailed Cockatoos
Science and Personalities
Both the red-tailed and yellow-tailed cockatoos are native to Australia and grow between 21 to 24 inches long. However, the red-tailed one weighs around 32 ounces and lives 25 to 50 years, while the yellow-tailed one weighs 21 to 31 ounces and lives 50 to 80 years. Both birds are loud and rowdy and known for being heard before being seen. Both of these are like their other distant relatives in the cockatoo family and need lots of socialization and playtime to remain happy. They can bond tightly with their owners and can be lots of fun. However, these birds can cost a substantial sum of money due to the conservation of these cockatoos.
Extra Facts & Health
Yellow-tailed cockatoos are blackish-brown with bands of yellow on their tail feathers, while the red-tailed are black with yellow speckles and bright, vibrant bands of red on the tail feathers. These species are hardy, healthy, and don't seem super prone to diseases.