Salmon-Crested Cockatoo

Cacatua moluccensis

The Salmon-Crested Cockatoo, scientifically known as Cacatua moluccensis, is a striking and intelligent bird native to the Moluccan Islands in Indonesia. This captivating parrot is renowned for its stunning appearance, characterized by its soft white plumage that contrasts beautifully with the salmon-pink hue of its crest, which it can raise or lower based on its mood or when startled. Adult individuals typically measure about 20 inches in length, making them one of the larger species of cockatoos.

Salmon-Crested Cockatoos are highly social and affectionate, often forming strong bonds with humans and fellow birds. In the wild, they thrive in humid forest environments, displaying their remarkable vocal prowess with a variety of loud calls and mimicked sounds. Their diet consists mainly of seeds, nuts, fruits, and berries, reflecting their arboreal lifestyle.

Due to habitat loss and trapping for the illegal pet trade, the Salmon-Crested Cockatoo is listed as a vulnerable species. Conservation efforts are imperative to ensure the survival of this magnificent bird, which is not only an icon of the Indonesian archipelago but also a cherished companion in aviculture around the world.