What is a sulphur-crested cockatoo?
The sulphur-crested cockatoo is a large white parrot with a bright yellow crest, found across northern and eastern Australia. It is famous for its loud screeching calls and clever behaviour.
Sulphur-crested cockatoos are about 45 to 50 centimetres long. They raise their yellow crest when excited or alarmed. They live in noisy flocks that feed on seeds, nuts, roots and berries.
These birds are highly intelligent and can live for decades, with some captive birds reaching more than 80 years.
Bin-opening cockatoos
In Sydney, cockatoos have learned to open household rubbish bins by lifting the lid with their beaks and pushing it over. Scientists found this behaviour spread from suburb to suburb as birds learned from each other.
When a flock feeds, some birds act as sentinels, screeching an alarm if danger approaches.
Because they chew constantly to keep their beaks in shape, they can damage timber decks, window frames and even cables. Cockatoos nest in large tree hollows, so old trees are important for breeding. They are common in city parks, and feeding them is discouraged because it can lead to aggressive and destructive behaviour.
Did You Know?
A sulphur-crested cockatoo named Snowball became famous online for dancing in time to music.