There are a few common white birds known for their loud, screeching calls. Based on the question, the white bird most likely being referred to is the cockatoo. Cockatoos are recognizable by their distinctive crest of feathers on their heads and their loud, raucous calls. They are native to Australia and the islands of the south and west Pacific. There are over 20 different cockatoo species, but some of the more well known ones include the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Umbrella Cockatoo, Salmon-crested Cockatoo, and the White Cockatoo.
Cockatoos are highly intelligent and social birds that live in large flocks. Their loud calls allow them to communicate with flock members over long distances. When agitated or excited, cockatoos will screech, scream, and make other ear-piercing noises. Their harsh calls carry for miles and are hard to ignore. While beautiful, their noisy vocalizations are one of the cockatoo’s most identifiable traits.
Physical Description
Cockatoos are medium to large parrots measuring 13-24 inches (33-60 cm) long. They are stocky birds with short tails and large heads. Their most distinctive feature is the erectile crest of feathers on top of their heads. These crest feathers can be raised or lowered depending on the bird’s mood.
Plumage is generally white, although some species have yellow, pink, or red highlights on the crest, cheeks, wings, or tail. The beak is large, powerful, and curved. Cockatoos have zygodactyl feet with two forward-facing toes and two rear-facing toes that allow them to grasp and manipulate objects deftly.
Weight varies by species from just over 1 pound to 1 pound for the larger cockatoos. Males and females look alike. Immature birds have darker eyes than adults and under-developed head crests.
Notable Physical Features
– Crest of feathers on head
– Mostly white plumage
– Large, curved beak
– Zygodactyl feet
– Stocky body shape
– Medium to large in size
Native Habitat and Range
Cockatoos are naturally found in Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, the Philippines, and other neighboring islands in the Pacific. They inhabit forests, woodlands, swamps, mangroves, and scrublands. Most species favor lowland areas, but some inhabit mountain forests up to 10,000 feet in elevation.
Sulphur-crested cockatoos have the largest range and are common in the wild from northern Australia to as far south as Tasmania. Umbrella cockatoos occur on many Indonesian islands and New Guinea. Salmon-crested cockatoos live exclusively on the Tanimbar and Babar Islands in Indonesia.
While once widespread, habitat loss has caused declines in wild cockatoo populations. Deforestation and the illegal pet trade are the biggest threats. Some species like the red-vented cockatoo are critically endangered in the wild. Protecting remaining habitats is crucial for cockatoo conservation.
Native Range Highlights
– Australia
– New Guinea
– Indonesia
– Solomon Islands
– Philippines
– Pacific Islands
Habits and Behavior
Cockatoos are highly social and intelligent birds best known for their loud vocalizations and gregarious nature. They have complex social structures and exhibit interesting behaviors in the wild.
Diet
Cockatoos are versatile eaters and feed on seeds, nuts, fruits, berries, roots, and insect larvae. Strong beaks allow them to crack hard shells and extract hidden food. Foraging takes place high in the forest canopy.
Flocks
Cockatoos live together in large, noisy flocks or colonies, sometimes numbering 100 birds or more. Flocks travel, feed, roost, and breed together. There is safety in numbers from predators.
Vocalizations
Cockatoo communication consists of loud screeches, screams, and harsh noises. Different calls convey specific meanings to other flock members. Screaming strengthens social bonds.
Breeding
Cockatoos nest in tree holes or termite nests high above the ground. Females typically lay 2-3 eggs which incubate for about a month. Chicks fledge in 6-12 weeks. Pairs form strong bonds and mate for life.
Roosting
At dusk, cockatoos in a flock will circle together – calling loudly – before settling down to roost communally for the night. Roost sites are used repeatedly over generations.
Grooming
Cockatoos frequently groom their plumage and especially their head crest. They also enjoy sunning themselves. Preen oil helps condition their feathers.
Intelligence
Cockatoos exhibit intelligence levels similar to a 3-5 year old human child. They are incredibly inquisitive and adept at manipulating objects with their feet and beak.
Habit Highlights
– Live in large flocks
– Loud vocalizations
– Omnivorous diet
– Nest in holes high above ground
– Mate for life
– Roost communally at night
– Grooming is important
– Highly intelligent
Relationship with Humans
Cockatoos have a long history and unique relationship with humans. Aboriginal Australians incorporated cockatoos into myths and legends. Today, cockatoos are popular pets and zoo birds. However, trapping wild cockatoos has damaged populations.
Early History
Indigenous Australians depicted cockatoos in their rock art. Stories about cockatoos feature prominently in Dreamtime myths. Their feathers were used in ceremonies.
Pets
Cockatoos are cherished pets. Their longevity, intelligence, affectionate nature, and quirky antics make them special companions. However, cockatoos have extremely loud calls, require lots of attention, and can be destructive. They are challenging pets for novice owners.
Conservation
Due to extensive habitat loss and trapping for the pet trade, many cockatoo species are at risk. CITES regulates their trade, and sanctuaries help care for rescued birds. Public education is needed to protect wild populations.
Aviculture
Cockatoos have been bred in aviculture for over a century. Selective breeding has produced color variants like blue, red, and yellow cockatoos. Aviculture helps satisfy demand for cockatoos as pets without harming wild populations.
Zoos
With their intelligence, longevity, and outgoing nature, cockatoos are educational and popular zoo birds. Free-flight bird shows allow cockatoos to showcase their flying skills and bright plumage up close to the public.
Human Interaction Highlights
– Important in Aboriginal culture
– Prized as pets
– Many species endangered
– Regulated pet trade
– Captive breeding programs
– Popular zoo birds
Speech and Mimicry
Many cockatoos demonstrate an outstanding aptitude for mimicry and speech. Of all parrots, cockatoos are among the most skilled at imitating sounds and human voices. Certain cockatoo species are renowned “talkers”.
Vocal Anatomy
Like other parrots, cockatoos have a uniquely shaped larynx and vocal tract allowing them to reproduce sounds outside of their normal repertoire. They also have left-brain dominance associated with vocal learning.
Speech Clarity
Some cockatoos can form words and phrases with surprising clarity. Yellow-crested, bare-eyed, and blue-eyed cockatoos are considered especially adept talkers. Vocabulary depends on amount of training.
Mimicking Ability
Cockatoos don’t just mimic speech – they can also imitate household sounds like telephones, doorbells, and alarms. Some copy laughing, coughing, or sneezing. The most gifted mimics have enormous ranges.
Training
Repetition and positive reinforcement are key to training cockatoos to talk. Daily practice sessions where owners continually repeat target words and sounds are most effective. Some birds learn quickly while others take longer.
Reasons for Talking
Pet cockatoos likely talk seeking attention, bonding with owners, and engaging in play. Research suggests talking may help cockatoos solve problems too. Interacting vocally is natural behavior they would normally do with flock mates.
Speech and Mimicry Highlights
– Specialized vocal anatomy
– Can form words and phrases
– Mimic household sounds
– Learn through repetition
– Talk to bond with owners
– Natural social interaction
Popular Species
There are 21 different cockatoo species. Some of the most popular ones kept as pets or exhibited in zoos include:
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
- Native to Australia
- Distinct yellow crest
- Grey wings and tail
- Noisy nature
- One of largest cockatoos
Galah
- Pink and grey medium cockatoo
- Found across Australia
- Active, acrobatic flyers
- Clownish personalities
- Adept talkers
Umbrella Cockatoo
- White with brown-black eyes
- Originate from Indonesia
- Massive curved beak
- Affectionate nature
- Prone to feather plucking
Cockatiel
- Smaller cockatoo
- Grey with yellow heads
- Red cheek patches
- Prolific whistle mimics
- Originate in Australia
Bare-eyed Cockatoo
- White with blue bare skin around eyes
- Found on New Guinea
- Exceptional speech skills
- Outgoing, comical personalities
- Endangered in the wild
Notable Species
– Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
– Galah
– Umbrella Cockatoo
– Cockatiel
– Bare-eyed Cockatoo
Care as Pets
Cockatoos require specialized care and a major commitment. Their complex physical, mental, and social needs make them challenging companion parrots. Proper cockatoo care takes time, patience, and resources.
Housing
A roomy cage, plenty of out-of-cage time, and bird-proofing the home is essential. Cockatoos are destructive when bored or unsupervised. Outdoor aviaries provide extra space.
Diet
A variety of healthy foods should be offered like pellets, vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, and seeds. Fresh water must be available. Variety ensures proper nutrition.
Enrichment
Physical and mental enrichment through toys, exercise, training, and social interaction prevents boredom-based problems. Cockatoos thrive on stimulation and bonding time.
Grooming
Frequent gentle brushing and bathing maintains plumage health. Overgrown beaks and nails should be professionally trimmed. Proper hygiene prevents skin issues.
Socialization
Cockatoos need constant attention as they are flock animals. Having bird companions or spending ample time with owners is crucial for their well-being. Loneliness leads to behavioral issues.
Care Basics
– Large cage and out-of-cage time
– Proper balanced diet
– Enrichment through toys and activities
– Regular grooming and veterinary care
– Lots of daily interaction and bonding time
Fun Facts
- The cockatoo was first scientifically described in 1760.
- Cockatoo nest hollows are passed down through generations.
- Powder down feathers scattered during preening produce a dust that waterproofs their plumage.
- A cockatoo’s crest raises or lowers to signal the bird’s mood and social intentions.
- The oldest known cockatoo lived to age 83 in captivity.
- Cockatoos appear frequently on the coins and stamps of Australia and Papua New Guinea.
- During courtship, male cockatoos bob their heads, spread wings, and tap beaks with females.
- The cockatiel is one of the smallest cockatoos and the most popular parrot pet worldwide.
- Cockatoos have been popular zoo attractions since the London Zoo started exhibiting them in 1824.
- Damaging primary cockatoo habitat often occurs during mining or logging operations.
Fascinating Facts
– First described by scientists in 1760
– Long-lived birds with 80+ year lifespan
– Featured on Australian and New Guinean currency
– Courtship displays involve head bobbing and beak tapping
– Globally popular as pets and zoo birds
– Suffer habitat loss from mining and logging
Conclusion
Cockatoos are instantly recognizable by their showy crests, big curved beaks, mostly white plumage, and loud vocalizations. As highly social, long-lived parrots, they form close bonds and exhibit complex behaviors in the wild. Cockatoos are cherished pets and zoo birds, although trapping and habitat loss threatens some species. Overall, cockatoos are unique birds that have fascinated people for centuries with their high intelligence, exuberant nature, and exceptional talking abilities. Their iconic appearance and raucous calls will ensure that cockatoos continue capturing human interest and admiration well into the future.
