Goffin’s corella, Tanimbar corella
The Tanimbar corella (Cacatua goffiniana ), also known as Goffin's cockatoo, is a species of cockatoo endemic to forests of Yamdena, Larat and Selaru, all islands in the Tanimbar Islands archipelago in Indonesia. It has been introduced to the Kai Islands, Indonesia, Puerto Rico and Singapore. This species was only formally described in 2004, after it was discovered that the previous formal descriptions pertained to individuals of a different cockatoo species, the Ducorps' or Solomons cockatoo (Cacatua ducorpsii ). Tanimbar corellas are the smallest of the white cockatoos. It is classified as Near Threatened due to deforestation and bird trade. It breeds well in captivity and there is a large avicultural population.
This cockatoo is amongst the smaller of the cockatoo species. The male and female look the same. At first sight they look like a white cockatoo with salmon/peachy/pink feathers on the face, and a pale gray bill. The undersides of the wing and tail feathers have a yellowish tinge. The same as all members in the Cacatuidae family, a Goffin's cockatoo is crested, meaning with a bunch of feathers on its head that it can raise or lower. These cockatoos are very graceful when flying.
Goffin’s cockatoos are endemic to Yamdena, Selaru, and Larat, islands in Indonesia’s Tanimbar Islands archipelago. This species lives in or on the edges of the tropical forest.
Goffin’s cockatoos are diurnal and require daylight to find their food. They typically inhabit coastal lowland forests in flocks of up to 300. They feed up in the treetops and also raid maize crops. They are conspicuous noisy birds and are usually observed in small flocks or in pairs during the mating season. Pet Goffin’s cockatoos hand-reared from hatching are able to imitate human speech, but in general they do not make good talkers. Usually they are quiet, but can utter a loud screeching noise. Good as pets, they are sociable and friendly. Like most cockatoos, they like being handled and stroked. These birds are intelligent and can be trained and will learn tricks.
Goffin’s cockatoos are omnivorous, feeding in the treetops on nuts, seeds, berries, fruit, and blossoms, as well as insects and their larvae.
This species is monogamous, and mates form long-lasting bonds. Not much is known about their reproductive behavior. They nest in tree hollows. Usually a clutch numbers 2-3 eggs. Male and female both share the incubation, which is for approximately 28 days. Chicks fledge at around 8-11 weeks.
Goffin’s cockatoo populations are under threat from habitat loss and illegal capturing for the trade in cage birds.
The IUCN Red List records the total of the Goffin’s cockatoo population size as around 100,000-499,999 individuals. The population in Taiwan is about 100 introduced breeding pairs. Currently this species is classified as Near Threatened (NT) and their numbers today are decreasing.
As eaters of fruit, Goffin’s cockatoos help disperse seeds.
