Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
NameSulphur-crested Cockatoo
Common NameSulphur-crested Cockatoo
Scientific NameCacatua galerita
FamilyCacatuidae
Wingspan (cm)90
Length (cm)50
Weight (g)950
Plumage DetailsPredominantly white plumage with a distinctive, erectile sulphur-yellow crest. The underside of the wings and tail feathers often show a pale yellow wash. They have a black beak and dark brown eyes, sometimes with a pale blue eye-ring.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its extremely loud, harsh, and screeching calls, often repeated. They also produce various squawks, whistles, and growls, especially when alarmed or communicating within a flock.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, woodland, urban, suburban, agricultural land
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to eastern and northern Australia, New Guinea, and some Indonesian islands. Introduced populations exist in New Zealand and Singapore.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size, Pure white body plumage, Prominent, erectile sulphur-yellow crest, Black beak, Loud, raucous calls
Description
The Sulphur-crested Cockatoo is a large, striking white parrot known for its prominent yellow crest. These intelligent birds are highly social and often seen in noisy flocks, foraging for food or roosting in trees.
