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Leadbeater Cockatoo

Leadbeater Cockatoo
cacatua leadbeateri leadbeateri

Length: 36-40cm/14-16 inches
Weight: 300-450 grams
Life span: <80 years
Incubation: 26 days
Age at weaning: 12 weeks
Age at maturity: 2 years
Natural habitat: Australia

Leadbeater Cockatoos, also known as Major Mitchell,  inhabit sparsely timbered grasslands, arid semi-desert and savannahs.  They constantly move to new sites to find fresh water and new food supplies.  They are normally seen in pairs or small flock, often in the company of Galahs,  although they can be seen in larger flocks around an abundant food supply.

They mainly feed on the ground, eating seed, fruit, nuts, berries and roots.

Leadbeaters nest in hollow trees which they tend to line with leaves and bark.  A normal clutch is 2 occasionally 3 eggs.

The plumage of the Leadbeater is mostly pink.  This ranges from a very pale almost white pink on some birds, to a deep pink on others.  Their crest is a stunning red, yellow and white.  Under their wings and tail is a salmon pink and their legs are grey.  Their beak is bone coloured and just above it they have white and red stripes.  When the birds are mature you can tell their sex by their eye colour.  The males eyes are dark brown to black in colour where as the females are a reddy brown.

Pet potential: One of the less suitable Cockatoos as a pet, very cuddly as babies becoming quite dominant as they age.  A lot of time and effort is required to keep them tame and happy, a pet for people with a lot of time on their hands.  They are probably best to be kept as aviary birds.  They will need a constant supply of fresh branches as they are quite aggressive chewers, and they will need plenty of toys.  Fir cones make great play/chew things for most Cockatoos and parrots.

Talking ability: Fair

Noise level: Moderate to loud

Cage requirements: Minimum 3 x 2.6 x 4 foot

Interesting fact: When Leadbeaters nest they like to be far away from other nesting Leadbeaters.  They normally like at least one kilometer between themselves and their closest neighbour.

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