Lesser Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo
Description
The lesser sulphur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea) also known as the yellow-crested cockatoo, is a medium-sized (approximately 34 cm long) cockatoo with white plumage, bluish-white bare orbital skin, grey feet, a black bill, and a retractile yellow or orange crest. The sexes are similar. Lessor, the cockatoo used in the TV series Baretta, is thought to be a yellow-crested cockatoo but is actually a medium sulphur-crested cockatoo.
The yellow-crested cockatoo is found in wooded and cultivated areas of East Timor and Indonesia's islands of Sulawesi and the Lesser Sundas. It is easily confused with the larger and more common sulphur-crested cockatoo, which has a more easterly distribution and can be distinguished by the lack of pale yellow coloring on its cheeks (although some sulphur-cresteds develop yellowish patches). Also, the yellow-crested cockatoo's crest is a brighter color, closer to orange. The citron-crested cockatoo, which is a subspecies of the yellow-crested cockatoo, is similar, but its crest is clear orange.
The yellow-crested cockatoo's diet consists mainly of seeds, buds, fruits, nuts and herbaceous plants.
Scientific Name
Cacatua Sulphurea
Country Of Origin
Size
Life Expectancy
Noise Level
Moderate
Talk / Trick Ability
Fair-Good talking ability; Good trick ability
Characteristics
Lesser sulphur-crested cockatoos are playful, mischievous, entertaining birds that delight in learning and showing off new behaviors. They are known to be escape artists and can learn to unlock and open cage doors. They are very affectionate and demand a great deal of attention and can start to engage in destructive behavior, such as feather plucking, if not given structured attention; therefore they are best suited to someone who has the time and desire to devote to the bird.
Behavior / Health Concerns
Lesser sulphur-cockatoos have a great need to chew, so provide plenty of healthy pet bird toys and materials. They are dusty birds, so they are not suitable for people with breathing problems. Keep a lesser sulphur-crested cockatoo’s feather dust down with a daily bath. It is important to spend structured, focused time, including teaching the lesser sulphur-crested cockatoo how to play by itself. Doing this can help prevent destructive behaviors from developing due to lack of attention, as they can become neurotic if left alone.
Expert Advice
“The lesser sulphur-crested cockatoo can be a delightful pet if trained properly. This cockatoo tends to bond to one person only, and can be nervous. They are very intelligent and can do a variety of tricks. Some can speak well, but have a limited vocabulary.”
Gene Maranda, Avian Companions (www.aviancompanions.com)