The cockatoo is a Psittaciformes bird belonging to the Cacatuidae family. 21 different species of birds Psittaciformes are included. We easily recognize them by their characteristic erectile plume of feathers. They share several characteristics with parrots such as the curved beak and the zygodactyl foot, which means that it has two toes directed forward and another two towards the rear.
These exotic birds are increasingly valued and loved among bird lovers. Today, I’m going to tell facts related to cockatoos.
Cockatoo Name Origin
The name of Cockatoo derives from a Malay word to refer to this type of bird. Kaka means parrot and tuwah refers to the imitation of its song. Other currents allude to the meaning Kakak, which means sister. Also, tua, means old. In this case, the translation all together would be “big sister.”
They’re Diurnal
They are diurnal animals and need daylight to feed.
They can learn up to 50 Words
Cockatoos stand out for being intelligent and having a high activity. Obviously, the white cockatoo is the most popular species as a pet for its special ability to imitate human speech, learning up to 50 different words.
They want Attention
The cockatoo as a pet is a bird with character. Also, it will not hesitate to demand your care. Being very sociable birds, they love to be with them. If they do not receive good attention, they demand it. Additionally, they manifest by plucking their feathers or shouting ostentatiously.
Their Size
The average size of cockatoos is greater than that of parrots, with the exception of nymph cockatoos. In addition, they’re small and the smallest species of the group.
Cockatoo Grooming
Cockatoos groom themselves very frequently throughout the day. Their uropygial gland produces a substance called “grooming oil” that they distribute throughout their body by rubbing it with their head or feathers. In addition, in the lumbar area, they have specialized feathers that produce “lung dust” that also helps them in grooming.
Vocalizations
Cockatoos have a highly developed communication system. Their high vocalizations help them to recognize each other, keep the flock together, indicate their mood, and warn of the defense of their nest. Depending on the species, the number and type of calls varies. There are silent cockatoos, such as the gang gang cockatoo, and others that have up to 15 different types of calls. For instance, the short-beaked funereal cockatoo. The mourning cockatoo beats dead branches with sticks to be able to communicate over long distances.
Monogamous Birds
Cockatoos are monogamous birds and can remain with their mate for many years and can mate before sexual maturity if they already belong to the same flock.
Sexual Maturity of a Cockatoo
The cockatoo’s sexual maturity is later compared to other birds with the aim that males and females can better develop their breeding skills.
Lifespan
Large cockatoos can live between 30 and 70 years depending on the species. However, the oldest cockatoo that has ever lived in captivity reached 78 years old, was called Cookie, and lived at the Brookfield Zoo (Chicago).
