Bird · GBIF taxon 2479888
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
Cacatua galeritaAlso known as Greater Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo, White Cockatoo
Sulphur-crested cockatoos are iconic, highly social parrots recognized by their striking yellow crests and loud, piercing screeches. They move in noisy flocks that forage on the ground for seeds and roots while designated lookouts watch from high tree branches. Exceptionally intelligent and adaptable, these birds thrive in both native eucalyptus forests and bustling suburban parks across eastern Australia and neighboring islands.
IntelligentLoudSocial
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Grass seeds
- Tree nuts
- Tubers
Predators
- Dingoes
- Powerful Owls
- Lace Monitors
ThreatsHabitat loss, nest hollow availability, agricultural pest control
HabitatsEucalyptus woodlands, rainforest margins, farmlands, urban parks
Life span40–70 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderPsittaciformes
- FamilyPsittacidae
- GenusCacatua
- SpeciesCacatua galerita
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of delivering a severe bite with their powerful bill if cornered or handled.
- Why it is dangerous
- An immensely powerful, hooked beak designed for crushing hard nuts can easily sever flesh or fracture finger bones if the bird feels cornered.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Snow-white plumage with a bright yellow crest that flares erect when excited or threatened, paired with a heavy dark bill.
- What to do
- Do not attempt to catch or touch wild birds; contact wildlife rehabilitators if an injured individual requires rescue.
Responsible observation
- Observe from a distance: Give feeding flocks space to avoid causing a loud, startling panic flight.
- Avoid hand-feeding: Feeding wild cockatoos encourages destructive urban chewing habits and bold behavior.
- Listen for lookouts: A sudden harsh screech from a bird in the canopy warns the flock below of danger.
Close Relative (c) Andrew Allen, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Andrew Allen · cc-by
Close Relative JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Sympatric Relative (c) Frankzed, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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