Cacatua galerita
sulphur-crested cockatoo

Cacatua galerita is native to the Australian Region and occurs in large numbers in the north and east of Australia. It has been introduced to western Australia, New Zealand and New Guinea. (Australian Museum, 2003; Berra, 1998)

Sulphur-crested cockatoos dwell in a variety of timbered habitats such as tropical and subtropical rainforests. They are also found in the vast savannas of northern Australia. Sulphur-crested cockatoos also occur in suburban and urban areas, especially in parks and gardens. (Cody, 1993; Sibley and Monroe, 1990)

Sulphur-crested cockatoos are large birds, measuring 45 to 50 centimeters in length. Their average weight is 800 grams. Sulphur-crested cockatoos are white with a distinctive sulphur-yellow crest which can be erected or held folded down on top of head. The underside of their wings and tail is pale yellow. Females and males are similar in appearance (monomorphic); however, females can be identified at close range by their red tinted brown eyes, whereas males have darker brown eyes. There are four subspecies of sulphur-crested cockatoos. Cacatua galerita fitzroyi differs from C. g. galerita in having a pale blue eye ring instead of white, the yellow feathers are slightly darker, and the crest feathers are longer. Cacatua galerita eleonora and C. g. triton both average smaller in overall size than C. g. galerita. (Australian Museum, 2003; Bell, 1969; Dobbs and Highfill, 2003)

Sulphur-crested cockatoos can live for decades in the wild. Average lifespan is about 40 years, but they can live up to 100 years. In captivity, sulphur-crested cockatoos that are well-cared for can live for 65 years on average and up to 120 years. (Bell, 1969; Cambridge University Press, 1991)

Cacatua galerita is a gregarious species, often forming flocks of a dozen to several hundred birds. When foraging for food these large flocks will often split into small groups, coming together again at the evening roost site. Feeding is often done on the ground, and in such situations some of the flock will be sentry birds in trees, and alert the flock of approaching danger. Sulfur-crested cockatoos generally stay sheltered during the middle of the day, resuming feeding in late afternoon and evening before drinking and returning to roost. (Equinox, 1985; Forshaw, 2002; Perrins, 1990)

The distinctive raucous call of C. galerita is very loud; it is meant to travel great distances through the forested environment. The cacophony created by a large flock of sulphur-crested cockatoos can be deafening. (Cody, 1993; Forshaw, 2002)

Home Range

Cacatua galerita often travel long distances in a day to forage, almost always returning to their original roost site. Sulphur-crested cockatoos remain in the same general area year round. The exact home range size of C. galerita is not well documented. (Berra, 1998; Dobbs and Highfill, 2003)

Sulphur-crested cockatoos are noisy birds. Their primary method of communication is their screeching voices. They also use their crest to communicate emotion. They will raise and spread their magnificent crests when excited, such as when danger is detected or during mating. (Forshaw, 2002; Perrins, 1990)

Sulphur-crested cockatoos are primarily granivores in the wild, feeding both on the ground and in trees. They feed mainly on seeds, nuts, fruits, blossoms, insects and insect larvae. They will also attack newly planted and ripening grain crops. (Berra, 1998; Dobbs and Highfill, 2003; Perrins, 1990)

In captivity, C. galerita are mainly fed a diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, pellets, legumes and grains. They have a high rate of obesity so high fat foods such as peanuts and seeds are fed sparingly. (Berra, 1998; Dobbs and Highfill, 2003; Perrins, 1990)

Sulphur-crested cockatoos have one primary method of detecting and avoiding predators. When feeding, a few 'sentinel' birds will perch in a tree looking out for predators. They unleash their deafening warning call when a potential predator is sighted. Their large size also protects them from predation by all but the largest birds of prey. (Bell, 1969; Forshaw, 2002; Perrins, 1990)

During the incubation period and 6 to 10 weeks thereafter, both parent birds are intentionally very quiet in order not to attract predators to their nest. (Australian Museum, 2003)

Sulphur-crested cockatoos are known to be preyed on by powerful owls (Ninox strenua). Goannas (Varanus) are also potential predators of birds on the ground, fledglings, and nestlings. Other potential predators include common avian nest predators such as pied currawongs (Strepera graculina), butcherbirds (Cracticus), and ravens. (Forshaw, 2002)

The role of sulphur-crested cockatoos in the ecosystems they inhabit is not well documented. They feed on seeds and nuts and may play a role in seed dispersal. (Berra, 1998; Dobbs and Highfill, 2003; Perrins, 1990)

Sulphur-crested cockatoos can be so numerous in crop growing areas that they are often shot or poisoned as pests. Government permit is required, though, as they are a protected species under the Australian Commonwealth Law. Aside from crops, they can also be harmful to wooden structures and ornamental trees as they chew and rip at timber on houses and tree limbs. (Bell, 1969; Cambridge University Press, 1991)

Sulphur-crested cockatoos are popular pets and companion birds. Their yellow feathers have been used in ceremonial headdresses. (Forshaw, 2002)

Sulphur-crested cockatoos are generally common and abundant. Their population is approximated at more than 500,000 individuals. It is no longer legal to import these birds to the United States as a result of the Wild Bird Conservation Act. (Berra, 1998; Forshaw, 2002; Perrins, 1990)