Sulphur-crested Cockatoo - Five Sisters Zoo

A type of parrot, the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo is named for the yellow plume of feathers at the crown of their head and the yellow cast to their wings. The cast is more visible in flight, with the rest of the body feathers being white and the eyes, beak, and legs dark brown or black. It is a very gregarious bird and has a loud call that can be heard from a far distance, particularly if many birds have congregated together.

Facts

Diet: Herbivore; Primarily consuming grasses, nuts, seeds, and fruit.

Weight: 0.8-1kg

Length: 45-50cm

Wingspan: 1m

Habitat: Native to Australia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia; prefers wooded spaces including forested areas but is also very common in areas of human settlement.

Life span: 40 years in the wild; over 80 years under human care

Adapted to Survive

  • One bird will remain perched in a tree while others feed to watch for predators and raise an alarm if needed
  • Sulphur-crested Cockatoo’s will mate for life and form tight family groups, with chicks remaining with parents well into adulthood
  • Trim their beaks, which continue to grow, by chewing on branches and other materials

Threats

  • Habitat fragmentation
  • Human development and infrastructure
  • Illegal pet and wildlife trade

IUCN Conservation Status

Least Concern

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