Top 15 Types Of Cockatoo Birds (With Pictures)

Curious about cockatoos? Discover the top 15 types, each with unique traits and vibrant visuals, perfect for bird enthusiasts and pet lovers alike.

cockatoo bird types list

Cockatoos are fascinating birds, known for their vibrant plumage and charismatic nature. Among the many types, the Moluccan Cockatoo is celebrated for its rose-colored feathers, while the Umbrella Cockatoo features a distinctive crest that resembles an umbrella. The Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo, recognizable by its bright yellow crest, is talented in mimicking sounds. The Citron Cockatoo stands out with orange cheek patches, and the Goffin's Cockatoo, also called the Tanimbar Corella, thrives on playful interaction. Each species requires specific care, often needing spacious environments and dedicated social interaction to thrive. Exploring further offers greater insight into their unique worlds.

Moluccan Cockatoo

vulnerable indonesian parrot species

Originating from the Moluccan Islands in Indonesia, the Moluccan Cockatoo is celebrated for its striking rose hues and sociable nature. These affectionate birds thrive on human companionship and require a spacious living environment to accommodate their social needs.

Ideal for those who can dedicate time and space, Moluccan Cockatoos are not suited for apartment living due to their need for interaction and activity.

Umbrella Cockatoo

exotic white parrot species

The Umbrella Cockatoo, known scientifically as Cacatua alba, is a fascinating species native to the tropical rainforests of Indonesia. These large birds are distinguished by their distinctive, umbrella-like crest.

Renowned for their affectionate nature, Umbrella Cockatoos form strong bonds with their human companions. They thrive in socially interactive environments and require ample attention and mental stimulation, making them unsuitable for apartment living.

Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo

australian parrot with crest

Moving on from the Umbrella Cockatoo, another captivating species is the Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo, which boasts a striking appearance and a lively personality. These large parrots are distinguished by their vibrant yellow crests and mostly white plumage.

Renowned for their intelligence, Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos have the ability to mimic sounds and speech, making them highly valued as pets. Their longevity and social nature appeal to dedicated bird enthusiasts.

Citron Cockatoo

colorful citron cockatoo description

Renowned for its distinctive appearance and charming demeanor, the Citron Cockatoo captivates bird lovers worldwide. This 14-inch bird, notable for its orange cheek patches and crest, is both playful and affectionate.

Essential for its well-being, a balanced diet supports its potential 50-year lifespan. Regular veterinary care and mental stimulation are crucial for this delightful cockatoo, ensuring its health and happiness in captivity.

Goffin Cockatoo

intelligent playful mischievous bird

Moving from the Citron Cockatoo, we now explore the Goffin Cockatoo, also known as the Tanimbar Corella, which hails from the Tanimbar Islands in Indonesia.

These small, Goffins cockatoos are known for their friendly personalities and intelligent nature. Weighing between 8 to 14 ounces, they thrive on human interaction and playful engagement, ensuring a long, healthy life of up to 80 years in captivity.

Major Mitchell's Cockatoo

colorful australian cockatoo species

Major Mitchell's Cockatoo, distinguished by its pinkish-white plumage and striking pink and yellow-orange crest, is a smaller species known for both its aesthetic appeal and engaging personality.

Also referred to as the pink cockatoo, it spans 13-15 inches in length and can live up to 70 years, making it a long-term, charming companion with a remarkably vibrant appearance.

Bare-Eyed Cockatoo

beautiful crested white bird

The Bare-Eyed Cockatoo, characterized by its distinctive gray-blue eye circles and playful demeanor, is a favorite among avian enthusiasts.

Also known as the Blue-Eyed Cockatoo, this affectionate bird is native to Australia, where it thrives in spacious environments.

Its white plumage with pink face patches and a gray-tan beak complements its lively nature, making it a beloved companion for up to 50 years.

Galah Cockatoo

vibrant pink and grey

Galah Cockatoos, renowned for their vibrant pink chest and sociable nature, are popular among bird lovers for their ability to mimic speech and perform amusing antics.

Also known as Rose-breasted Cockatoos, these social birds are excellent talkers and thrive on interaction.

With a lifespan up to 70 years, they require dedicated care and are valued between $700 to $3,000.

Black Palm Cockatoo

large rare australian bird

Renowned for their striking appearance and rarity, Black Palm Cockatoos are among the most distinctive members of the cockatoo family.

Known scientifically as Probosciger aterrimus and commonly as the Goliath Cockatoo, they inhabit regions of Australia and New Guinea.

These large birds boast smoky gray plumage with vivid red cheek patches and can live up to 90 years, especially in captivity.

Rose-Breasted Cockatoo

text about a bird

Shifting focus from the robust Black Palm Cockatoo, we now explore the charming Rose-Breasted Cockatoo, also popular as the Galah. Noted for its striking pink chest and lower face, this bird is a long-term commitment, potentially living up to 70 years.

Weighing 10 to 14 ounces, these social birds are outgoing and skilled learners, making ideal companions for engaging family environments.

Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo

unique australian bird species

The Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, scientifically known as Calyptorhynchus funereus, is a striking large bird native to Australia. These cockatoos, ranging from 22 to 26 inches in size, boast a lifespan of up to 40 years.

Found primarily in Australia, these large birds command a price range between $7,500 and $15,000, reflecting their rarity and the demand among avian enthusiasts.

Gang-Gang Cockatoo

colorful australian bird species

Originating from Australia, the Gang-Gang Cockatoo is a medium-sized species recognized by its slate-gray body and striking red head and crest. Known also as the Red-Headed Cockatoo, these birds thrive in forest habitats, primarily feeding on seeds.

They exhibit unique vocalizations and form strong pair bonds, often seen in pairs or small family groups, reflecting their social nature within their native landscapes.

Glossy Black Cockatoo

unique australian bird species

As a medium-sized cockatoo, the Glossy Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) stands out with its glossy black plumage and striking red tail feathers.

This bird boasts a long lifespan of 15-30 years and thrives on a specialized diet, primarily consuming seeds from she-oaks and casuarinas.

Conservation efforts are essential due to its vulnerability from habitat loss and hunting.

Long-billed Corella

white cockatoo with long beak

Shifting focus to another unique member of the cockatoo family, the Long-billed Corella is distinguished by its remarkably elongated bill and mostly white plumage. Native to Australia, these white cockatoos are social birds that thrive in large flocks, primarily in agricultural settings.

They feed on seeds, grains, and vegetation. Conservation efforts are essential for maintaining their stable populations and protecting their natural habitats.

Can Game Birds and Cockatoo Birds Coexist?

Yes, game birds and cockatoo birds can coexist as long as they have enough space and food. Common types of game birds with pictures include pheasants, quails, and turkeys. It’s important to provide proper housing and separate areas for the birds to prevent any issues.

Little Corella

white australian cockatoo bird

The Little Corella, a small member of the cockatoo family, is known for its playful demeanor and distinctive pinkish facial hue. Native to Australia, these white cockatoos measure about 14 inches in length and display a light blue eye ring.

They thrive in social flocks and have a varied diet consisting of seeds, fruits, and vegetation, reflecting their curious and adaptable nature.