The citron-crested cockatoo is a medium-sized cockatoo with an orange crest, dark grey beak, pale orange ear patches, and strong feet and claws. The underside of the larger wing and tail feathers have a pale yellow color. The eyelid color is a very light blue. Both sexes are similar. Females have a copper colored eye where as the male has a very dark black eye.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
This species is confined to Sumba, where it inhabits dry monsoon forests, open woodlands, savanna mosaics, and forest edges. It also uses secondary growth, teak plantations, and agroforestry areas when large trees are available for roosting and nesting. Birds often move between feeding areas and communal roosts, tracking seasonal food resources. They may venture into farmlands to feed on cultivated crops. Availability of old, hollow-bearing trees strongly influences breeding distribution.
Altitude Range
0–900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Endemic to the island of Sumba in Indonesia, the citron-crested cockatoo is among the most threatened cockatoos on Earth, with declines driven by trapping for the pet trade and habitat loss. It forms strong lifelong pair bonds and nests in tree cavities, making mature forest crucial for breeding. Its striking orange crest and pale blue eye-ring distinguish it from other yellow-crested forms. Legal protection exists, but enforcement and habitat restoration remain critical.
Chick at Děčín Zoo, Czech Republic
Temperament
social and alert
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs or small family groups, occasionally forming small flocks around feeding sites or communal roosts. Pairs maintain close bonds and engage in mutual preening and crest displays. Nesting occurs in cavities of large, old trees, with both sexes involved in excavation, incubation, and chick-rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, harsh screeches and grating calls that carry over long distances, especially at dawn and dusk. Birds also use softer chattering and squeals within flocks and between mates, accompanied by expressive crest-raising displays.
Plumage
Predominantly white with a subtle pale yellow wash on the underwings and tail; orange ear patches; and a distinctive, recurved orange crest. The periophthalmic ring is pale blue and the bill is dark grey to black.
Diet
Feeds on seeds, nuts, fruits, and berries from native and cultivated plants, including figs and other canopy fruits. It also takes buds and flowers and may raid crops such as maize when natural foods are scarce. Occasionally consumes insects or larvae, using its strong, curved bill to pry and crush food items.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the canopy and mid-story of dry forests and woodland edges, but will also feed in plantations and agricultural mosaics. Sometimes descends to the ground or visits village trees where fruiting is abundant.
