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Triton Cockatoo

Triton Cockatoo
cacatua galerita triton

Length: 38-51cms/15-20 inches
Weight: 350-500 grams
Life span: 40-60 years
Incubation: 30 days
Age at weaning: 14 weeks
Age at maturity: 3 years
Natural habitat: Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, New Guinea and offshore islands.

The Triton Cockatoo is a noisy, conspicuous bird and a fairly common Cockatoo in lowland forest and savannah country.  In Australia they are common inhabitants of forests, open woodland and farmland.  They are normally found in flocks of several hundred birds apart from the breeding season, when they are usually found in pairs or in small family parties. 

They feed on seeds, fruits, berries, nuts, flowers, leaf buds, roots and insects and their larvae.  They are pests in crop growing areas, although they do eat a considerable amount of weed seeds as well.

When they are in open country they use a sentinel warning system.  while the flock is feeding on the ground a few birds remain perched at the top of surrounding trees.  At the approach of danger the sentinels rise into the air screeching loudly and the whole flock follows.

They nest in a hollow limb or hole in a tree, generally high up and frequently near water.  A normal clutch is 2 eggs.

Pet potential: Triton Cockatoos are friendly and intelligent birds.  They have lots of energy and need plenty of toys to play with, and natural wood* to chew and strip of bark.  While these birds are less prone to developing neurotic behaviour they do need to keep stimulated as they are a high energy bird.

Talking ability: Poor-fair

Noise level: High

Cage requirements: Minimum 3 x 4 x 5 foot

Interesting fact: The Triton Cockatoo is a subspecies of the Greater Sulphur Crested Cockatoo.

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Looking for your own hand reared Triton baby?  Click HERE to visit Xotic Birds

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