Cacatua galerita
The Sulphur-crested Cockatoo is a large white parrot, measuring 45cm - 50cm. It has a dark grey-black bill, a distinctive sulphur-yellow crest and a yellow wash on the underside of the wings. Sexes are similar, although the female can be separated at close range by its red-brown eye (darker brown in the male). This is a noisy and conspicuous cockatoo, both at rest and in flight. The most common call is a distinctive loud screech, ending with a slight upward inflection. Young Sulphur-crested Cockatoos resemble the adults.
The Sulphur-crested Cockatoo is similar in appearance to the three species of corella found in Australia. Corellas are smaller, however, and lack the prominent yellow crest.
Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, along with many other parrots, are susceptible to a widespread viral disease known as Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD), which causes the birds to lose their feathers and grow grotesquely shaped beaks.
Sulphur-crested Cockatoos are common and familiar in Australia. Their range extends throughout the northern and eastern mainland, and Tasmania. Their popularity as a cage bird has also increased this range, as these birds either escape or are released deliberately in areas where they do not already occur. A small population has become established around Perth, Western Australia. Sulphur-crested Cockatoos are found in a variety of timbered habitats and are common around human settlements. The birds stay in the same area all year round.
The species also occurs in New Guinea and the Aru Islands, and has been introduced into New Zealand and Indonesia.
The Sulphur-crested Cockatoo's normal diet consists of berries, seeds, nuts and roots. It also takes handouts from humans. The species has become a pest around urban areas, where it uses its powerful bill to destroy timber decking and panelling on houses. Feeding normally takes place in small to large groups, with one or more members of the group watching for danger from a nearby perch.
When not feeding, birds will bite off smaller branches and leaves from trees. These items are not eaten, however. The activity may help to keep the bill trimmed and from growing too large.
Sulphur-crested Cockatoos breed in August to January in the south of their range, and May to September in the north. The one to three eggs are laid in a suitable tree hollow, which is prepared by both sexes. Both birds also incubate and care for the chicks, which hatch after about 30 days. The chicks leave the nest after a further 60 to 70 days, but remain with the parents all year round. Family groups will stay together indefinitely.
Copyright © Australian Museum, 2003
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