Sulfur-Crested Cockatoo

Cacatua galerita

The sulfur-crested cockatoo, more often spelled sulphur-crested cockatoo in Australia, is a large white parrot of northern and eastern Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands. Its expressive yellow crest, black bill, powdery white plumage, and harsh carrying calls make it easy to recognize in city parks, farmland, and open woodland. Wild flocks use tree hollows for nesting and may feed on seeds, roots, nuts, fruit, insects, and crops, which is why the species can be both admired and treated as an agricultural nuisance.

In captivity, this cockatoo is a long-lived, demanding bird that needs far more than a cage and occasional attention. It chews hard wood, produces powder down, vocalizes loudly, and depends on daily social contact, foraging work, bathing opportunities, and safe flight or climbing space. Hand-reared birds can become difficult if they are over-bonded to one person and under-stimulated. Aviary breeders usually provide very strong enclosures and deep nest logs or boxes, while buyers need to verify legal, captive-bred origin and plan for decades of care.