Umbrella Cockatoo

With its majestic and unique appearance, the umbrella cockatoo makes for a great pet but only for owners who are ready to provide the attention and needs it calls for.  Also known as the white cockatoo or the great white-crested cockatoo, is known as one of the most affectionate and friendly companion birds in the avian world.  Native to Indonesia where it lives in its rainforest, it is slightly smaller of its cousin the Moluccan cockatoo.  The umbrella is derived from its white crest that raises from the bird when it is excited, agitated or ready to play.

Other birds of the species are the “regular” cockatoo, the Goffin’s cockatoo and the aforementioned Moluccan Cockatoo.  They have been kept as pets in different parts of Asia as far back as the 7^th century.

Believe it or not, the umbrella cockatoo can live up to 70 years but many as pets do not live that long.  They tend to self-mutilate which can lead to infections.  Since it is a large bird it needs a large space.  The umbrella cockatoo will become agitated and aggressive if its space is too small which can lead to feather picking.  A potential owner of an umbrella cockatoo should have experience with large parrots before deciding on this species.  This is not a good first bird pet or a pet for a child.  The umbrella cockatoo also tends to get set in its way so it will not take kindly to changes to its environment such as additions to the family like a new pet or even a baby.

The umbrella cockatoo is known to be a very sentimental bird getting very attached to people, other birds and even objects.  In the wild the bird is never without a companion and as a pet they tend to look for the same thing.  The most important for the umbrella cockatoo is companionship.

One of the biggest characteristics of the umbrella cockatoo is its vocalization.  If it feels it has been locked up in his cage for too long, it will scream loudly.  The louder the scream, the more dissatisfied the bird is.

On the other hand, the umbrella cockatoo can learn up to 50 different words.

In the wild the umbrella cockatoo forages for food so as a pet you would want for them to have that option.  They like seeds and nuts as well as coconuts and grain.