The blue-eyed cockatoo is a large, mainly white cockatoo about 50 cm (20 in) long with a mobile crest, a black beak, and a light blue rim of featherless skin around each eye that gives this species its name.
Region
Bismarck Archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs across New Britain, primarily in lowland and hill rainforests, including primary and selectively logged forests. It also uses forest edges, secondary growth, and occasionally plantations and gardens near forest. Birds forage high in the canopy but will descend to mid-levels and edges to exploit fruiting trees. Nesting requires large, mature trees with suitable cavities. Human-altered landscapes are used where tall trees and food resources remain.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This striking cockatoo is endemic to New Britain in Papua New Guinea and is named for the pale blue ring of bare skin around its eyes. It has a powerful bill for cracking hard seeds and nuts and a tall, expressive crest it raises when excited. Habitat loss and trapping have impacted populations, and international trade is regulated. It adapts somewhat to disturbed forest and plantations but relies on large trees for nesting.
At Walsrode Bird Park
Temperament
social and noisy
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady, deep wingbeats; occasional short glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs, family groups, or small flocks; larger groups may form at rich food sources and communal roosts. Monogamous pairs nest in large tree cavities, often reusing sites. Both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing duties. They are alert and wary in hunted areas but can be confiding where undisturbed.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, harsh screeches and grating cries that carry over long distances. Birds also exchange softer contact calls within flocks and emit rapid chatter when taking flight.
Plumage
Mainly white with a tall, mobile crest; underwings and undertail show a pale yellow wash. Bare skin around the eye is light blue, contrasting with the black bill.
Diet
Feeds on seeds, nuts, fruits, and berries, supplemented with flowers, leaf buds, and occasionally insects and their larvae. Uses its strong bill to pry open hard capsules and to manipulate food items. Often targets seasonally fruiting canopy trees and may visit cultivated crops such as coconut or oil palm. Will forage in both native and modified habitats when food is abundant.
Preferred Environment
Primarily forages in the mid to upper canopy of rainforest and along forest edges. Also visits secondary growth, logged areas, and plantations adjacent to forest. Communal feeding at fruiting trees is common.
