White Cockatoo
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Family
Genus
SPECIES
Cacatua alba
Population size
43-183 Thou
Life Span
30-40 years
Weight
400-800
14.1-28.2
goz
g oz 
Length
46
18
cminch
cm inch 
Wingspan
25-31
9.8-12.2
cminch
cm inch 

The White cockatoo (Cacatua alba) is a medium-sized all-white cockatoo endemic to tropical rainforest on islands of Indonesia. This species is also known as the Umbrella bird due to its backward-bending, broad crest, which opens up like an umbrella and fans out.

Appearance

The male White cockatoo usually has a broader head and a bigger beak than the female. They have brown or black eyes and a dark grey beak. When mature some female white cockatoos can have reddish/brown irises, while the irises of the adult male are dark brown or black. The feathers of the White cockatoo are mostly white. However, both upper and lower surfaces of the inner half of the trailing edge of the large wing feathers are a yellow color. The yellow color on the underside of the wings is most notable because the yellow portion of the upper surface of the feather is covered by the white of the feather immediately medial (nearer to the body) and above. Similarly, areas of larger tail feathers that are covered by other tail feathers – and the innermost covered areas of the larger crest feathers – are yellow. Short white feathers grow from and closely cover the upper legs. The feathers of this species and others create a powder similar to talcum powder that easily transfers to clothing. In common with other cockatoos and parrots, the White cockatoo has zygodactyl feet with two toes facing forward and two facings backward, which enable it to grasp objects with one foot while standing on the other, for feeding and manipulation.

Video

Distribution

Geography

Continents
Subcontinents
Countries
Biogeographical realms

The White cockatoo is a native of the Indonesian islands of Northern and Central Moluccas (aka Maluku Islands), specifically, the islands of Bacan, Kasiruta, Halmahera, Tidore, Ternate, and Mandioli. They also live on the islands of Obi and Bisa, but it is thought that these birds are escaped pets. White cockatoos inhabit wooded areas and are found in open woodland and forests, mangroves, swamps, and agricultural areas. They are especially common around the edges of clearings and rivers. Most of their time is spent in the tree canopy.

Climate zones

Habits and Lifestyle

White cockatoos typically occur singly, in pairs or small groups, and sometimes in flocks numbering up to fifteen. They gather in the afternoon in groups of as many as fifty birds. Although these birds are social, aside from mating pairs, they usually do not establish close bonds with each other. They are diurnal birds and are typically sedentary, although some can be nomadic, wandering in search of food. White cockatoos communicate with their mates by means of a variety of noises and gestures. They scratch one another during mating rituals. They have been seen banging pieces of wood on logs and trees to warn other birds that their territory belongs to them. White cockatoos use loud vocalizations, sometimes for communication. They make a loud, grating scream or screech and they may hiss when alarmed.

Seasonal behavior

Diet and Nutrition

White cockatoos are herbivores (frugivores, granivores) and typically eat various nuts, seeds, and fruits, such as durian, papaya, langsat, and rambutan. They also supplement their diet with skinks, and large insects, such as crickets.

Mating Habits

MATING BEHAVIOR
REPRODUCTION SEASON
December-March
INCUBATION PERIOD
30 days
INDEPENDENT AGE
3.5-4 months
FEMALE NAME
hen
MALE NAME
cock
BABY NAME
chick
web.animal_clutch_size
2-3 eggs

White cockatoos are monogamous, a mating pair staying together for life. In the mating season, males strut and fan their crests to attract a female. The mating season is usually from December to March. Pairs leave their flock to seek a place to nest in a tree. They typically build a nest in a hollow of a very large, tall tree. The female lays two eggs, sometimes three. Males and females share the incubating of the eggs, which usually lasts 30 days. The parents typically raise only one chick. If the first one that hatches is healthy, they raise that one. If the chick is unhealthy or malformed, they raise the second one. Chicks learn to fly when they are 3 months old but still depend on their parents for a further 2 to 3 weeks. When a chick is capable of caring for itself, the family rejoins the flock. White cockatoos are reproductively mature at 6 years of age.

Population

Population threats

The greatest threat to White cockatoos in the wild is illegal trapping for trading in cage birds. Habitat loss and hunting are further threats.

Population number

According to the IUCN Red List, the total population size of White cockatoos is 43,000-183,000 individuals. However, this species' numbers are decreasing today and it is classified as endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List.

Ecological niche

White cockatoos have an important role in dispersing seeds - which is important for the evolution and ecology of plants. Furthermore, their nests may be used by other animals during the non-breeding season.

Fun Facts for Kids

  • The major purpose of a cockatoo's crest is communication. When raised, it can indicate a number of intentions: displaying for its mate; calling its flock members; defending its flock or territory; or expressing curiosity, excitement, fear surprise, or frustration. If approaching a cockatoo, the raised crest may warn not to touch them - at the risk of being bitten. The lowering of a crest may indicate friendliness, calmness, and general approachability.
  • The word "cockatoo" originates from the Malay word for these birds, "kakaktua," meaning "older sister”.
  • As with all birds, cockatoos use their body language for communication. When birds use the feathers on their face to cover their beaks, they convey a welcoming, non-aggressive message.
  • These are powder-down birds, whose feathers produce dust that can sometimes be quite heavy. Preening distributes this dust throughout their plumage, providing important waterproofing to cope with a tropical, wet climate.
  • To bathe, white cockatoos fly through wet leaves in the treetops or hang upside-down during the rain.
  • White cockatoos are very smart and inquisitive birds. They are able to use a branch for scratching their backs. They also climb and do gymnastics.

Coloring Pages

References

1. White Cockatoo Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_cockatoo
2. White Cockatoo on The IUCN Red List site - http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22684789/0
3. Xeno-canto bird call - https://xeno-canto.org/533459
4. Video creator - https://avibirds.com

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