The number of greater Sulphur-crested Cockatoo globally is unknown. This parrot species is very popular in the pet trade. Greater Sulphur-crested Cockatoos can live upwards of 60 years. The diet of these birds includes seeds, nuts, fruits, berries, roots, and some insects. The young vacate the nest 6-9 weeks after hatching. Both parents participate in the 30-day incubation period. Nests have also been found in holes in cliffs and on top of haystacks. They nest in hollow limbs or a hole in a tree, generally high up. These birds reach sexual maturity within five to six years. Mutual preening and touching of bills follows. The male struts along a branch with crest raised, bobbing his head and swishing his tail in a figure-eight motion. REPRODUCTIONĬourtship display in Sulpur-crested cockatoos is simple and brief.
SULPHUR CRESTED COCKATOO SERIES
Their alarm call consists of a series of abrupt, guttural screeches.Ĭontact calls while feeding include the occasional sharp squawk or a shrill whistle. When traveling to and from feeding grounds they fly at considerable height, gliding down to the trees in wide, sweeping circles. Their characteristic flight comprises a series of rapid, shallow wingbeats interspersed with gliding. During the hottest parts of the day they shelter in trees and return the roosting ground at dusk. Feeding occurs in groups, with one bird watching for danger on a nearby perch. At sunrise the birds leave roosting grounds in favor of feeding grounds where they remain during the day. Each flock has its own roosting ground and this is rarely deserted even though long flights to and from feeding areas may become necessary. These noisy, conspicuous parrots are usually found in pairs or small family parties during the breeding season, and at other times in flocks, sometimes comprising hundreds of individuals. On the other hand they also eat the seeds of many weed pests. They also damage haystacks and attack bagged grain. They are often viewed as pests because of their habit of digging up newly sown seed and raiding ripening crops. Since these birds eat seeds, they are often found in cropland. They habitat dense forests and are often seen in areas habituated by humans. Populations have been established near Perth and in New Zealand. They are also found in the northern part of the Northern Territory and into the Kimberly area of Western Australia. Greater Sulphur-crested Cockatoos are found in Australia, from Tasmania through Victoria and New South Wales to the northern tip of Queensland. They are approximately 50 centimeters long. These cockatoos weigh about 700-950 grams.
Males and females differ only in that females’ eyes are red-brown compared to dark brown in males. They have a naked periophthalmic eye ring. They also have a dark gray-black, hooked beak. They have white bodies and a yellow crest the underside of their wings and tail is also yellow. Greater Sulphur-crested Cockatoos are the largest of the Sulphur-crested group. Common Name(s): Greater Sulphur-crested Cockatoo DESCRIPTION