The sulphur-crested cockatoo is a relatively large white cockatoo found in wooded habitats in Australia, New Guinea, and some of the islands of Indonesia. They can be locally very numerous, leading to them sometimes being considered pests. A highly intelligent bird, they are well known in aviculture, although they can be demanding pets.
Region
Australasia
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across northern and eastern Australia, New Guinea, and some nearby islands, with local introduced populations in a few urban areas beyond their native range. Prefers open forests, eucalypt woodlands, riparian corridors, and forest edges. Common around farmland, pasturelands, and suburban parks and gardens where mature trees provide roosts and nest hollows. Often forms large communal roosts near water and forages in adjacent open areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Sulphur-crested cockatoos are highly intelligent and long-lived, with some captive individuals exceeding 60–70 years. Their powerful bills can easily destroy wood and crop seedlings, which is why they are sometimes considered agricultural pests. They adapt well to urban environments, learning to exploit human-provided food sources and bins. In Australia, they are protected wildlife, though regulated control may be permitted where they cause significant damage.
In South Australia
Walking on grass in Tasmania, Australia
Perched on a tree in Victoria, Australia
Numerous cockatoos causing damage to polystyrene facade on a shopping centre, New South Wales
Temperament
social and noisy
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight with deep wingbeats; occasional gliding
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or family parties that aggregate into large flocks at feeding and roost sites. Forms long-term pair bonds and nests in tree hollows lined with wood chips. Both parents share incubation and chick rearing. Outside the breeding season, flocks may number in the hundreds at communal roosts.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, raucous screeches and harsh squawks that carry over long distances. They also produce chattering contact calls and softer grumbles within flocks. Alarm calls are sharper and more rapid.
