Blue-Eyed Cockatoo
Description
The blue-eyed cockatoo is a large, approximately 50 centimetres (20 in) long, mainly white cockatoo with an erectile yellow and white crest, a black beak, dark grey legs, and a light blue rim of featherless skin around each eye, that gives this species its name. The sexes are very similar in appearance. Some males have a dark brown iris and some females have a reddish-brown iris, but this small difference is not always reliable as a gender indicator. The blue-eyed cockatoo is easily mistaken for the yellow-crested and sulphur-crested cockatoos, but has a more rounded crest with more white to the frontal part, and a brighter blue eye-ring. The Blue-eyed cockatoo reaches full maturity after 4 years and lives an average of 50 years.
Blue-eyed cockatoo has been known to make demanding, but great house pets.This beautiful bird has been called by some as the friendliest and most loving of all the cockatoo species. Household skills include, but are not limited to, mimicking owners, laying on the back of loved ones, and of course their love to play. Due to their interaction ability, this pet requires quite a bit of attention. A lack of interaction could result in self-mutilation from the bird, that includes feather plucking.
Scientific Name
Cacatua ophthalmica
Country Of Origin
New Britian, New Ireland, eastern Papua New Guinea
Size
20 inches
Life Expectancy
40 years plus
Noise Level
Loud
Talk / Trick Ability
Excellent
Characteristics
The beautiful blue-eyed cockatoo is rare but admired in the avian world. This species is reported to be one of the friendliest and most playful of all cockatoos. They are very affectionate, love to play, lay on their backs and can mimic just about anything. They can be destructive to furnishings, and therefore many chew toys, wooden branches and plenty of mental stimulation are needed to keep this bird happy and occupied. They enjoy being handled but their people should be careful not to over-handle them or they might demand constant attention.
Behavior / Health Concerns
Similar to other cockatoos, the blue-eyed cockatoo requires a lot of structured interaction in order to thrive. In return, the blue-eyed cockatoo, like other cockatoos, is an exceptionally loving and devoted pet. Neglect of this species can lead to feather plucking and other forms of self-mutilation, so prospective owners should be sure they have the time to devote to this bird. Excessive chewing and excessive noise are concerns for keeping this species as a pet, but with enough healthy chewing opportunities and proper behavior training, the blue-eyed cockatoo brings a lot of joy to its pet bird owner.
Expert Advice
“Most enchanting, extremely intelligent pet; they can be picked up in any way and even upside down; they love to play on their backs with toys, dance to music, will go to just about anyone and are considered extremely gentle and sweet tempered.”
Gene Maranda, Avian Companions (www.aviancompanions.com)