Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
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| ?Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Conservation status: Least concern |
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| Cacatua galerita Latham, 1790 |
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 Australian Sulphur-crested Cockatoo range (in red)
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The Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Cacatua galerita, is one of the larger and more widespread of Australia's cockatoos. Frequently sought as a cage bird in and out of Australia, they can be so numerous that in crop-growing areas of Australia they are shot or poisoned as pests. Government permit is required, though, as they are a protected species under the Australian Commonwealth Law.
They can be destructive to cereal and fruit crops, as well as timber structures such as house planking and trees.
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. There are a few regional subspecies within Australia.
Typically these birds will weigh around 800 grams. Their distinctive raucous call can be very loud; it is meant to travel through the forest environments in which they live, including tropical and subtropical rainforests. These birds are naturally curious creatures, as well as very intelligent. They have adapted very well to European settlement in Australia and live in many urban areas.
Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, along with many other parrots, are susceptible to a widespread viral disease known as Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease, which causes the birds to lose their feathers and grow grotesquely shaped beaks.
These birds range throughout the various climates in Australia, from Far North Queensland beyond the Iron Range Mountains, as well as parts of the Snowy Mountains. They are also numerous in Adelaide and Southern South Australia and can be spotted north of Perth.
These birds have been known to engage in geophagy, the process of eating clay to detoxify their food.
Sulphur-crested cockatoos may no longer be imported into the United States as a result of the Wild Bird Conservation Act. However, they have been bred in captivity. The potential owner should be aware of the bird's needs, as well as how loud these birds can be and their natural desire to chew.
[edit] External links
- ParrotScience - cockatoo heavy information site. Video of geophagy in Australia
- RSBP website - Threats to wild bird populations
- Sulphur-crested Cockatoo videos on the Internet Bird Collection
[edit] References
- BirdLife International (2004). Cacatua galerita. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 06 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
- Flegg, Jim (2002). Birds of Australia: Photographic Field Guide. Sydney: Reed New Holland. ISBN 1-876334-78-9.
