Cockatoo Facts & Worksheets

The cockatoo belongs to the order Psittaciformes and Cacatuidae family. It is a medium-to-large-sized parrot with a curved beak, small rounded eyes, and a perky crest that indicates its mood. Cockatoos are highly social and loving birds.

See the fact file below for more information on the Cockatoo, or you can download our 32-page Cockatoo worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

• There are 21 species of cockatoo.
• Cockatoos belong to the order of Psittaciformes, which are generally brightly colored noisy birds. This is where the general term parrot may be applied.
• They come from the family Cacatuidae, but they are not considered ‘true parrots.’
• Cockatoos differ from parrots because of their crest, which they use to show their mood. This crest of feathers on top of their head stands erect when they are alarmed or excited.
• Their size ranges from medium to large. They range in size from 12–24 inches in length and weigh between 0.66-2.65 lb.
• They mostly have white plumage with a black beak and feet. Some species are grey and pink or even black.
• The white color is caused by the lack of a special texture which is known as the Dyck texture, in their feathers. This texture produces color when the light reflects off the feathers in other parrots.
• Cockatoos have small rounded eyes, a big curved beak, and a square-shaped tail that fans when flying.
• They also have a fantastic arrangement on their feet. Two toes point forward while the other two point backward, which allows them to grip branches tightly and climb up trees with precision. This digital arrangement is known as zygodactylous. Chameleons also have this.
• Cockatoos are very dextrous. They can cling or stand with one foot and grip food with the other.
• Cockatoos have strong wings and are good at flying.
• Cockatoos do not have oil glands that keep their feathers clean and in good condition. Instead, they
  produce a fine powder that results
  in the breakdown of special downy
  feathers.
• This powder protects their feathers and keeps them clean.
• When they preen themselves, they will shake off the excess dust. 
• This dust may not be good for people with allergies or lung conditions.

COCKATOO HABITAT

• Cockatoos are naturally found in Australasia, a geographical region that includes Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and the Solomon Islands.
• Cockatoos can live in a wide variety of habitats depending on the species. These include rainforests, pine forests, open plains, woodlands, shrublands, eucalyptus groves, and mangroves. 
• They can also inhabit the lower slopes of some mountainous areas or grasslands.
• Cockatoos prefer to roost in trees with other cockatoos.
• Because of their intelligent, friendly, and affectionate nature, cockatoos can be kept as pets. As pets, they are found all over the world. 

COCKATOO DIET

• Cockatoos primarily eat fruits, nuts, seeds, and roots in the wild. They may also eat insects.
• They may also eat insects.
• Cockatoos have large bills and muscular tongues, and these help them manipulate seeds and other food. They use their strong beaks to crack shells and even dig up roots and insects from the ground.
• Some cockatoos may feed on a specific type of vegetation, while others may feed on whatever they can find.
• In some places, cockatoos are considered agricultural pests due to the severe damage they can do to the crops they feed on.
• They have strong beaks and like to chew on wood.
• In captivity, cockatoos are fed a diet of pellets that are made for parrots. Some are fed with fruits and veggies such as apples, papayas, carrots, and yams. 
• Cockatoos can also eat nuts such as peanuts, pecans, and walnuts, which they can crack open with their powerful beaks. 
• Cockatoos may gather in large, noisy flocks when eating. It is believed that they do this to avoid predation when they are vulnerable. 
• Whenever they are feeding, they assign sentinels to keep an eye open for potential dangers.

REPRODUCTION AND BREEDING

• Cockatoos are monogamous birds, and they form deep bonds with their partners for a long time. 
• Part of their characteristics is their strong emotional attachment, which also causes them to suffer psychologically if they are separated from their mate. 
• Their breeding starts from courting each other by preening or feeding each other.
• When a pair of cockatoos establish their bond, the courtship slowly subsides.
• After acquiring a mate, the pair will find a hole in a tree that is large enough for an adult to enter, and then they build their nest together out of sticks, wood chips, and leaves.
• Afterward, copulation occurs. Then the female lays between one to eight eggs in intervals of two to three days, depending on the species. 
• Both parents may incubate the eggs after they have been laid.
• Incubation lasts from 20 to 29 days. 
• Hatchlings will come out of each egg. However, the last chick only sometimes survives because they will face competition for food. 
• After 5-11 weeks, they become fledglings, leaving the nest for the first time. 
• The young birds learn valuable skills from their parents before doing things on their own. 
• Compared to other bird species, a cockatoo’s sexual maturity is delayed. It usually takes three to seven years before they are ready to breed.
• According to some theories and observations, this period allows them to gain skills required for parenting before taking on the task themselves.
• Cockatoos can live for decades in the wild, which may last from 25 to 60 years.

COCKATOOS AS PETS

• Cockatoos are some of the most common parrots kept as pets. 
• They are highly sociable and intelligent animals, so they thrive alongside humans.
• These birds also form a strong bond with their owners, and they enjoy being around people. 
• They can act like clowns and like a lot of attention.
• They are very vocal, making loud screeches. Some can learn to mimic a few words.
• Cockatoos are high-maintenance and emotional birds. 
• They have the intelligence and emotions of a toddler, which can present challenges.
• Cockatoos are medium-sized parrots that need a large cage or aviary.
• Along with space, they also need mental stimulation so that they do not get bored and destructive.
• Cockatoos also tend to be possessive, and because of that, they can be jealous, loud, and aggressive.
• Whenever they are upset, they can be prone to behavioral problems such as biting, feather destruction, and even self-mutilation. 
• Cockatoos are also the loudest out of all the parrot species. They are noisy whenever they are excited or upset. This can upset your neighbors.
• Cockatoos also require an annual veterinary health check-up which includes a physical examination, grooming, and laboratory tests to keep track of the bird’s health, nutritional, and behavioral issues.
• Therefore, owners who wish to keep cockatoos as pets should really invest not only resources and time, but also love and care for many decades.

COCKATOO SPECIES

• There are 21 species of cockatoos. Here are some of the most common species of cockatoos.
• The first specie is the blue-eyed cockatoo.
• Blue-eyed cockatoos are large birds with an average length of 20 inches. Their color is entirely white with yellow feathers in the crest and a black beak.
• They are known to be more friendly and affectionate, so they also require more attention and care.
• The second type is considered the number one pet and companion in America. This is the cockatiel. It comes in a range of grey, white, and yellow colors. Cockatiels have an expressive yellow crest. It is also known for its whistling ability, which can be directed to its favored person. The position of its crest can tell you its mood.
• Next is the Ducop’s corella, which is also known as the Ducorps cockatoo. It is one of the most popular birds in Australia. A large cockatoo, this bird needs a spacious aviary to stretch its wings in.
• It is entirely white, and its beak is between white and pale blue. Ducop’s cockatoos are very smart, friendly, and playful birds.
• There is also the red-vented corella. It is an endemic bird in the Philippines and is also known as katala, abukay, agay, or kalangay. It is mostly white with yellowish cheeks, undertail, and underwings. This type produces a bleating call, screeching, or whistling noises. However, it is still considered quieter than most cockatoos.
• The next type is the sulfur-crested cockatoo which is primarily white and has a black beak. It also has a beautiful crest made up of yellow feathers. The sulfur-crested cockatoo is very noisy, so keeping it as a pet is challenging. It is highly active and lively, and it requires plenty of exercise to keep it healthy.
• Carnaby’s black cockatoo is a short-billed black cockatoo with prominent white cheek patches, a white tail band, and greyish-black plumage. It is known for its mournful wailing cries and loud and long screeches.
• The smallest of the five black cockatoos is the glossy-black cockatoo. It is small, yet its bill is broad and bulbous. Its head, neck, and underparts are usually brown-black, while its tail panel is orange-red. It is quieter than other birds, and it mates for life.

COCKATOO POPULATIONS

• The cockatoos’ moods need to be understood as well. Although these birds cannot verbalize their emotions and feelings, they can express their emotions through body language. 
• Some cockatoos use their crest, some use their feathers, while others use their voice.
• There are several emotions that cockatoos express using their body language and body parts.
• First, cockatoos feel excited or happy, and this is indicated by crest and sound. They raise their crest as well as create joyful sounds. They also jump and move their head if they are too excited.
• Cockatoos can also feel unhappy or sick. Typically, cockatoos are very active and love to play all day. Cockatoos are rarely idle for a long time, and it may indicate feelings of unhappiness or be sick. Whenever this happens, cockatoos also do not keep their eyes fully open, slightly fluff their feathers, do not eat for long, do not pay attention or interest, and shiver. Cockatoos need a medical check-up if their show these symptoms.
• Even if cockatoos are very active, they also rest. In their resting posture, cockatoos spread their feathers, which will look fluffy. Cockatoos look inactive with their eyes almost closed. At times, they stand on one leg, put their head on their wings, and even clean their feathers using their beaks. They may also yawn if they are too sleepy. 
• Cockatoos are also curious. They check out the things around them. When introduced to a new person or given a new toy, they may act shy and curious. This can also be shown by the raising of their crest, standing tall, and touching the new object with their beak.
• Cockatoos can also be aggressive and destructive, especially during their mating season. They may also feel that way if they are not cared for properly or if something is disturbing them. They tend to stand tall, open their wings, and sway from side to side. As a warning, they hiss and puff their feathers. Cockatoos also bite, and they are really strong. When this happens, they crouch their open beaks, hold back their crest tightly, and run towards the person. Cockatoos may also be destructive and may chew everything around them. They can also start plucking their feathers. This behavior immediately needs medical attention.
• Cockatoos, especially pet cockatoos, are attention-seekers. To show this, they spread their wings, raise their crest, and make joying sounds. These indicate that they are interested in making conversations. They also love cuddles and scratches. They lead the owner to the perfect spot to scratch.
• Cockatoos, just like other species, also feel scared whenever they feel attacked or insecure. They typically scream loudly. They also defend themselves by flapping their wings and moving around the cage.
• Many species of cockatoo are vulnerable or endangered because of poaching, habitat loss, and climate change.  
• These include Palm Cockatoos, Gang-gang cockatoos, black cockatoos, Major Michell’s Cockatoos, and Salmon-crested cockatoos.
• Of least concern are Yellow-crested
  cockatoos, galahs, and bare-eyed cockatoos.
• Currently, cockatoos are protected by international treaties, which helps in limiting their population depletion.
• Several organizations also dedicate themselves to the purpose of saving cockatoos from extinction through breeding programs.

Cockatoo Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the Cockatoo across 32 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about the Cockatoo, a group of birds native to Australia and nearby islands, known for their distinctive crests, loud calls, and playful behavior.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

• Cockatoos Facts
• All About Cockatoos
• Cockatoo ID
• True or False
• Breeding Stage
• Acquiring Cockatoos
• Search for More
• Three Words
• Cockatoo Cage
• Caring for Your Cockatoos
• Argue Your Side

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cockatoo?

A cockatoo is a type of parrot found in Australia and nearby islands. They are known for their distinctive crests on their heads, which they can raise and lower.

What do cockatoos look like?

Cockatoos have a distinctive crest on their head, which they can raise and lower. They also have white or pink feathers, and a curved beak. Some species of cockatoos also have a patch of yellow or red feathers on their cheek.

What do cockatoos eat?

Cockatoos eat a variety of foods such as seeds, fruit, insects, and even some vegetables. In the wild, they are known to chew on wood, leaves, and bark to obtain minerals and other nutrients.

Do cockatoos make good pets?

Cockatoos can make good pets, but they require a lot of attention and care. They are intelligent and social animals, and they need a lot of interaction and stimulation to keep them healthy and happy. They are also known to be very loud, so they may not be suitable for people with close neighbors.

How long do cockatoos live?

Cockatoos can live for a long time, with some species living up to 80 years in captivity. It is important to keep in mind that they require a lot of care, attention, and commitment over their lifetime.

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