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Lesser Sulphur Crested Cockatoo

Lesser Sulphur Crested Cockatoo
cacatua sulphurea

Length: 33cm/13 inches
Weight: 300-400 grams
Life span: 50-60 years
Incubation: 28 days
Age at weaning: 12 weeks
Age at maturity: 2-3 years
Natural habitat: Indonesian Islands including Celebes, Buton, Timoh and Sunda Islands.

Lesser Sulphur Crested Cockatoos inhabit open woodland, the edges of forests and cultivated fields.  They are not usually found in the interior of forests.  They can often be seen in villages perched in the coconut palms and are generally seen in pairs or small flocks.

They feed in the treetops on seeds, nuts, berries, fruit and blossoms where large numbers of them will congregate. They are noisy, conspicuous birds, their white plumage standing out when they are foraging among the fresh green of young cornfields. Their white plumage works better during the dry season.

They nest in the hollows of trees and a normal clutch is 2 eggs.

The adult plumage of the Lesser Sulphur Crested Cockatoo is mostly white.  They have a yellow crest and a lighter yellow colour on their ear coverts.  They also have yellow under their tails and wings which is visibly when they are in flight.  Their eye ring is a pale blueish colour.

Pet potential: Lesser Sulphur Crested Cockatoos are lively and outgoing.  They are intelligent and therefore they are quick to learn.  Their talking ability is not great but some have quite reasonable vocabularies.  They are very demanding, as are all Cockatoos, and can become quite neurotic if their need for attention is ignored.  These Cockatoos are very playful and love swinging from branches and ropes.  They are avid chewers and need plenty of chewable toys and perches to occupy their busy beaks.  Lessers enjoy the challenge of learning new behaviours and delight in showing them off.  Making their cage escape proof is no easy task, I have often seen chains and padlocks around doors in an effort to keep them in their cages once they are put in there!  Lessers are very affectionate birds and crave attention from their owners, they are also very mischievous.  They can be very excitable and noisy and are in the main not suitable pets for young children.  Showering is a pastime they take great delight in.  All Cockatoos are dusty and the Lessers are no exception, a daily spraying can help to keep their feather dust down.  As they are so dusty they are not suitable for people with asthmatic or breathing problems.

Talking ability: Fair-Good

Noise level: Moderate

Cage requirements: Minimum 3 x 2.6 x 4 foot

Interesting fact: When breeding both birds will take part in the incubation of the eggs.

based on 6 reviews.

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