Umbrella Cockatoos
(Cacatua alba)
Also known as the White Cockatoo
The Umbrella Cockatoois a medium-sized, up to 46 cm long native to the islands of Bacan, Halmahera, Ternate, Tidore, Kasiruta and Mandiole in North Maluku, Indonesia. It is a white parrot with brown or black eyes and a dark grey beak. If it is surprized, it extends a large and striking crest, which has a semicircular shape (similar to an umbrella, hence the name). The crest is normally kept lowered against the head. The underside of the wings and tail have pale yellow or lemon color, which flash when they fly.
The Umbrella Cockatoo can live up to, and perhaps beyond, 80 years in age.
The Umbrella Cockatoo is 48 cm (19 in) long, and weigh in at about 400 grams for a small female, and up to 800 grams for a larger males. The male Umbrella Cockatoo usually has a broader head and a bigger beak than nthe female. During their puberty the female Umbrella Cockatoo can begin to develop a more reddish iris than the male.
The feathers ot the Umbrella 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 is most notable on the underside of the wings because the yellow portion of the upper surface of the feather is covered by the white of the feather immediately nearer the body and above. |
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Similarly, areas of large tail feathers that are covered by other tail feathers, and the innermost covered areas of the large crest feathers, are yellow. Short white feathers grow from and closely cover the upper legs.
Umbrella Cockatoos are kept as pets because they can be very affectionate, bond closely with their people and are very beautiful birds. They can imitate basic human speech, but are not considered the best talkers in the parrot world. They are often used in live animal acts in zoos and amusement parks, because they are natural acrobats and easily trained, because of their highly social nature, and their high level of intelligence.
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Although the Umbrella Cockatoo is not classified as an endangered species, it is classified as vulnerable. It's numbers in the wild have declined owing to habitat loss and illegal trapping for thr cage-bird trade. It is listed in appendix ll of the CITES list of protected species which gives it protection by making the export, import and trade of wild-caught birds illegal.
A proper diet of fresh veggies and fruit, pastas, cooked beans, a good pelleted blend feed, and a high quality nut and grain mix should all be part of your Umbrella Cockatoo's daily diet. A cage al least 38 x 26 x 56. Lots of wooden toys for them to chew, lots of time to spend with them (they crave attention).
STOP WILD TRAPPING NOW!!!!!
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