Cockatoo

Cockatoos are a family of crested parrots in the family Cacatuidae, native mainly to Australia and nearby islands in Australasia.

Cockatoos are a family of crested parrots in the family Cacatuidae, native mainly to Australia and nearby islands in Australasia. They are known for their prominent movable crests, strong curved bills, and often loud social behaviour. Around 21 species are generally recognised, with most species found in Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, and the Philippines.

Classification

Cockatoos are a family of parrots within the order Psittaciformes, classified under the family Cacatuidae. They are distinct from true parrots (Psittacidae) and are recognized as one of the major parrot lineages.

Physical characteristics

Cockatoos are medium to large parrots with powerful bills, strong feet, and a distinctive movable crest. Many species are predominantly white or light-coloured, but some are black, often with yellow, red, or pink accents.

Distribution and habitat

Cockatoos are native to Australasia, with most species found in Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, and the Philippines. They inhabit a variety of environments such as forests, woodlands, mangroves, and open country.

Behaviour and diet

Cockatoos are social and noisy birds that often gather in large flocks. Their diet consists of seeds, nuts, fruit, roots, and insect larvae, and they use their strong bills to crack open food and pry wood apart.