Australian Cockatoos (Cacatuidae family) With Pictures
I’ve researched Australian Cockatoos, colorful parrots mostly found in Australia, with some in nearby regions. They’re unique, sporting crests and curved beaks. Their toe arrangement lets them grip tightly and handle food cleverly. These birds vary from white to vibrant hues, feasting on seeds, fruits, and more. They’re social, often seen in flocks, and they nest in tree hollows. Fascinating and adaptable, cockatoos are a sight to behold in the wild.
Here we’ll learn about different types of Australian Cockatoos
1. Genus Cacatua
1.1 Blue-eyed Cockatoo ( Cacatua ophthalmica )
The Blue-eyed Cockatoo is a big, mostly white parrot with a light yellow crest and rings of blue around its eyes. Under its wings and tail, there’s a hint of yellow.
These birds have dark eyes and a black beak. They’re only found in Papua New Guinea, living in the tropical forests of New Britain. They love the warm, lowland areas where trees grow tall and the weather is just right for them.
1.2 Red-vented Cockatoo ( Cacatua haematuropygia )
The Red-vented Cockatoo is a big parrot with white feathers, yellow on its cheeks, and under its wings and tail. It has a red spot near its tail, a light-colored beak, and dark eyes.
These birds are only found in the Palawan islands in the Philippines. They make their homes in swampy mangroves, forests, and sometimes even in farming areas. They’re pretty special because you won’t find them anywhere else!
1.3 Salmon-crested Cockatoo ( Cacatua moluccensis )
The Salmon-crested Cockatoo is a white bird with a touch of pink on its feathers and a bright salmon-pink crest. Its tail and wings are yellow underneath, and it has dark eyes and a beak.
Also, This bird is only found in Indonesia, especially in the Seram islands. It loves the lowland forests where it can fly and play among the trees. It’s a beautiful bird with a splash of color that stands out in the green forest.
1.4 Solomons Cockatoo ( Cacatua ducorpsii )
The Solomons Cockatoo is a charming little white parrot with blue rings around its dark eyes and a light beak. Sometimes, you might see a bit of brown on its chest and belly.
Under its wings and tail, there’s a soft yellow color. These birds are special because they only live in the Solomon Islands. They like hanging out in the lowland forests, but you can also spot them in open spaces and even in people’s gardens. They’re pretty cool birds that add a splash of nature to the islands.
1.5 Sulphur-crested Cockatoo ( Cacatua galerita )
The Sulphur-crested Cockatoo is a large, white parrot with a standout yellow crest and a dark beak. Under its wings and tail, you’ll find a splash of yellow.
The males have black eyes, while the females have reddish-brown ones. These birds call Australia, New Guinea, and Indonesia’s Aru Islands home. They love living in the woods, hanging out in parks, and visiting backyards. They’re pretty easy to spot and are known for being quite the characters in their neighborhoods.
1.6 White Cockatoo ( Cacatua alba )
The White Cockatoo is a medium-sized bird with snowy feathers all over, even on its crest. There’s a bit of yellow under its wings and tail, and it has a dark grey beak.
You can tell the female cockatoos from the male cockatoos because the females have reddish-brown eyes and the males have dark brown eyes. They make their homes in the tropical rainforests of the Moluccan Islands. Also, These birds are like living snowflakes, brightening up the lush green forests where they live.
1.7 Yellow-crested Cockatoo ( Cacatua sulphurea )
The Yellow-crested Australian Cockatoos is a white bird with sunny yellow spots near its ears and a yellow top. It has a dark beak and eyes, and a soft yellow glow under its wings and tail.
This bird isn’t too big or too small and calls the forests and open lands of Indonesia its home. It’s a splash of white and yellow in the green wild, making it a beautiful sight to see.
2. Genus Callocephalon
2.1 Gang-gang Cockatoo ( Callocephalon fimbriatum )
The Gang-gang Cockatoo is a small, scaly-looking parrot. They’re mostly greenish-grey with dark eyes and a light beak. The males have red heads and crests, while the females are grey with pinkish edges on their feathers.
You’ll only find them in southeastern Australia, living in forests, parks, and even gardens. Also, They’re pretty cool birds with a unique look that makes them stand out.
3. Genus Calyptorhynchus
3.1 Glossy Black Cockatoo ( Calyptorhynchus lathami )
The Glossy Black Cockatoo is a small, dark parrot with a brownish-black body and a slightly browner head. Also, They have dark eyes and grey beaks.
The males have red tail feathers, while the females have yellow patches on their necks and faces, and orange-red tail feathers. These birds are from eastern Australia and live in open woodlands and forests, where they blend into the scenery but stand out when they fly.
3.2 Red-tailed Black Cockatoo ( Calyptorhynchus banksii )
The Red-tailed Black Cockatoo is a large, striking bird with black feathers and dark eyes. The males show off two red panels on their tails and have dark grey beaks.
The females are just as beautiful with yellow to orange bars on their tails and chests, and spots of yellow to red on their faces and wings. Their beaks are a unique horn color. These impressive parrots live in Australia, making their homes in Eucalyptus woodlands, shrublands, grasslands, and rainforests. Also, They’re a majestic sight in the diverse landscapes down under!
4. Genus Eolophus
4.1 Galah ( Eolophus roseicapilla )
The Galah is a big, pretty parrot with grey on top and pink below. It has a light pink head and crest, and a pale beak. females have pink eyes, and males have dark brown eyes.
Also, They live all over Australia, in woods, fields, farms, shrubs, grasslands, parks, gardens, and cities. They’re easy to spot and add a splash of color everywhere!
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5. Genus Lophochroa
5.1 Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo ( Lophochroa leadbeateri )
Major Mitchell Australian Cockatoos is a unique, small bird with a white and pale pink body. It has a big crest that’s white, red, and yellow. Their underwings are pink, and they have a light beak with a red spot near it.
Females have pink or red eyes, and males have dark brown eyes. They’re found in Australia’s dry inland areas, like woodlands and grasslands. These cockatoos are known for their striking looks and love of dry habitats.
6. Genus Nymphicus
6.1 Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus)
The Cockatiel is a cute, small parrot with a long tail. It’s mostly grey with big white spots on its wings, dark eyes, and a grey beak. The males have bright yellow faces and crests, with orange spots on their cheeks.
The females are more grey whereas the males are yellow, and they have patterns on their tails and wings that the males don’t have. They live in dry places in Australia, usually where there’s some water around. Also, These friendly birds are a common sight down under, often bringing a dash of color and charm to the landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions About Australian Cockatoos
Q1. What are 3 facts about cockatoos?
- Australian Cockatoos are highly intelligent birds known for their playful behavior.
- They have a distinctive crest on top of their heads that they can raise and lower.
- Cockatoos are very social animals and often form strong bonds with their owners.
Q2. Are cockatoos only found in Australia?
No, although most species of cockatoos are native to Australia, they can also be found in parts of Indonesia, New Guinea, and nearby islands.
Q3. Why are they called cockatoos?
The name “cockatoo” is believed to come from the Malay word “kakatua,” which was used to describe these birds. It was later anglicized to “cockatoo.”
Q4. What are the rarest cockatoos?
Some of the rarest cockatoos include the Philippine cockatoo, the yellow-crested cockatoo, and the palm cockatoo. These species are threatened by habitat loss and illegal pet trade.
