Cacatua galerita
Description
Sulphur-crested Cockatoos (Cacatua galerita) are one of the largest species of parrot in Australia, reaching half a metre in length. Their most distinctive feature is their bright yellow crest feathers which contrast with their brilliant white plumage. Males and females are very similar in appearance, and the only way to tell the sexes apart is by looking at the colour of their eyes - females have a red-brown eye whilst it is a darker brown in the male.
Sulphur-crested Cockatoos are conspicuous through both their appearance and their distinctive loud screeching calls.
They are found through much of northern and eastern Australia, including Tasmania.
Female cockatoos lay 1-3 eggs in tree hollows. Both the male and female incubate the eggs and care for the chicks. Cockatoos maintain extended family groups and are long-lived (i.e. up to 80 years old).
Adaptations
- Extended family groups help care for young
- Comfortable living in and around human settlements
- 2 forward facing and 2 rear facing toes, combined with a powerful beak, allow the cockatoos to climb trees in search of food
Feeding relationships
- What I eat: seeds, berries, nuts
- What eats me: large Carpet Python, wedge-tailed eagles, cats, foxes, lace monitors (eat eggs)
Interesting facts
The yellow crest is said to reflect the cockatoo's emotions. When excited or alarmed, the feathers are fully extended beyond the birds head. At rest, the crest feathers are flattened against the back of their heads.