Types of Cockatoos Parrots: Which One is Right for You?

Amidst the many videos and never-ending reels, we often find ourselves admiring the ones that feature a majestic parakeet, who with its white feathers, feathery crown and big eyes mesmerizes us. But what astounds us more is their spellbinding talks, playful antics and, of course, intelligence, which often makes us wonder, "Aren't they lovely?”

Do you know, these amazing creatures also have some types? Worry not! We have created a list comprising the types of cockatoos parrots. Whether you are a seasoned bird enthusiast or a first-time parrot owner, you will find a cockatoo that will be perfect for you!

Types of Cockatoos Parrots

	Species of Cockatoos	Scientific Name	Images	Appearance
				Sizes	Crest
1	Little Corella	Cacatua sanguinea		35-41 cm	Small and rounded
2	Long-billed Corella	Cacatua tenuirostris		38-41 cm	Small and rounded
3	Western Corella	Cacatua pastinator		38-42 cm	Small and rounded
4	Solomons Cockatoo	Cacatua ducorpsii		30-32 cm	Small and rounded
5	Goffin's Cockatoo	Cacatua goffiniana		31 cm	Small and rounded
6	Sulphur-crested Cockatoo	Cacatua galerita		45-50 cm	Large and bright yellow
7	Triton Cockatoo	Cacatua triton		45-50 cm	Large and fan-shaped, yellow
8	Major Mitchell's Cockatoo	Cacatua leadbeateri		35-40 cm	Large and colorful
9	Red-vented Cockatoo	Cacatua haematuropygia		35-40 cm	Small and rounded
10	Blue-eyed Cockatoo	Cacatua ophthalmica		40-45 cm	Moderate-sized, yellow or pink
11	Moluccan Cockatoo	Cacatua moluccensis		45-55 cm	Large and impressive, salmon-pink
12	Umbrella Cockatoo	Cacatua alba		45 cm	Large and umbrella-shaped, white
13	Gang-Gang Cockatoo	Callocephalon fimbriatum		34 cm	Red-orange
14	Yellow-crested Cockatoo	Cacatua sulphurea		33 cm	Large and bright yellow
15	Glossy Black Cockatoo	Calyptorhynchus lathami		46-50 cm	Large, red or yellow
16	Red-tailed Black Cockatoo	Calyptorhynchus banksii		50-60 cm	Large and impressive, red
17	Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo	Calyptorhynchus funereus		55-65 cm	Large and impressive, yellow
18	Baudin's Black Cockatoo	Calyptorhynchus baudinii		50-60 cm	Large and impressive, white
19	Carnaby's Black Cockatoo	Calyptorhynchus latirostris		50-60 cm	Large and impressive, white
20	Palm Cockatoo	Probosciger aterrimus		55-60 cm	Large and striking, black
21	Cockatiel	Nymphicus hollandicus		30-33 cm	Small and rounded, yellow

 

Types of cockatoo birds

1. Little Corella

The beautiful medium-sized little corella birds are also known as Bare-eyed Cockatoo because they have a bluish tinge around their eyes. These types of cockatoo parrots have a small and rounded crest that makes it stand out. Often known for their playful and social behavior, such birds can be easily found in large flocks. 

2. Long Billed Corella

The long billed corella birds are known for their long bill and pink or orangish plumage around their face and neck. Slightly larger than the little corella, these birds can be found in woodlands, riverine forests, and grasslands. They have a strong digging behavior, using their long bills, they can unearth roots and tubers. 

The western corella is similar to the long billed corella in size. It is a white cockatoo with orangish plumage around its face and yellow washes under its wings. They also have a small, rounded crest and their social nature. These adorable long billed birds are found in pairs or small groups.

3. Western Corella

The western corella is similar to the long billed corella in size. It is a white cockatoo with orangish plumage around its face and yellow washes under its wings. They also have a small, rounded crest and their social nature. These adorable long billed birds are found in pairs or small groups.

4. Solomons Cockatoo

The Solomons cockatoos, or Ducorps’ cockatoos, are medium-sized birds with yellow washes under their wings and a small, rounded crest. Unlike long billed or western corellas, these cockatoos have white plumage without the hints of orange. These cute birdies and skilled foragers eat seeds, nuts, fruits and insects.

5. Goffin's Cockatoo

A small white cockatoo with a slight pink hue around its eyes and the base of its beak - the Goffin’s cockatoo or the Tanimbar cockatoo. They can be found in forests and wooded areas of the Tanimbar Islands in Indonesia. They are intelligent and are adept at solving puzzles and mimicking sounds.

6. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

The sulfur-crested cockatoo species are the species that are known for its striking white plumage and large, bright yellow crest. These large parrots measuring 45-50 cm in length are highly social and are known for their loud calls. Their striking appearance and lively nature make them a favorite among bird enthusiasts and pet owners alike.

7. Triton Cockatoo

Triton, or white cockatoo is a beautiful bird that has white plumage with yellow underwing patches and a striking yellow crest. They are known for their crest, which they raise when they are excited or alarmed. They are playful and curious birds that require plenty of mental stimulation and social interaction, making them popular pets.

8. Major Mitchell's Cockatoo

Major Mitchell's Cockatoo also called the pink cockatoo has a stunning appearance with its white and pink plumage and a majestic orange-red and yellow crest. These cockatoos prefer open woodlands and grasslands, often nesting in tree hollows. But these birds are quieter than other cockatoos which makes them more suited to a quieter environment.

9. Red-vented Cockatoo

These stunning medium sized cockatoos have a white plumage and striking red undertail coverts. This species is found in the lowland forests and mangroves of the Philippines, due to which they are also known as Philippine Cockatoo.

10. Blue-eyed Cockatoo

The blue eyed cockatoo is a medium sized parakeet that is known for a blue ring of bare skin around its eyes. They have a moderate crest with bright yellow or pale pink feathers. Like other cockatoos, the blue-eyed ones are also social and interactive, often seen in small groups.

11. Moluccan Cockatoo

The moluccan cockatoo or the salmon crested cockatoo has a white plumage, a slight pink blush, and an impressive salmon-pink crest. These birds have loud and distinctive calls that can be heard over long distances. They make perfect pets as they are social and affectionate in nature, forming strong bonds with their human caregivers.

12. Umbrella Cockatoo

Umbrella cockatoo has completely white plumage, due to which they are also called White cockatoo. It is a striking parrot that is known for its playful, affectionate, and intelligent nature, making them popular pets. They are highly social and form strong bonds with their human caregivers. These birds are also classified as vulnerable because of habitat destruction and illegal pet trade.

13. Gang-Gang Cockatoo

This cockatoo parrot is found in regions like New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory. Among these birds, the males are particularly striking, with their gray bodies contrasted by a vibrant red-orange head and crest.

14. Yellow-crested Cockatoo

The Yellow-crested Cockatoo is a parrot with white plumage and a bright yellow crest. These cockatoos are similar to others in terms of social behavior and diet. They are also endangered due to habitat destruction and trapping for the pet trade.

15. Glossy Black Cockatoo

These cockatoos are medium sized parrots that have black plumage and striking red tail feathers in males or yellow spots on the head in females. The Glossy Black Cockatoos are quieter and less social than other cockatoo species. They have quiet calls, and they are known for their gentle nature.

16. Red-tailed Black Cockatoo

Red-tailed Black Cockatoo is a large, striking parrot with black plumage and vibrant red tail feathers in males or orange-yellow barred tails in females. These birds can be found in eucalyptus woodlands and forests in Australia. Their diet includes seeds, nuts, fruits, and flowers, with a preference for eucalyptus seeds.

17. Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo

The yellow tailed black cockatoo is a striking parrot found in eucalyptus forests and woodlands of southeastern Australia. These birds are black with bright yellow panels on their tails and yellow cheek patches. Their robust and curved beaks are perfect for cracking seeds and nuts.

18. Baudin's Black Cockatoo

The long billed black cockatoo or Baudin’s black cockatoo is slightly smaller than other black cockatoos. These birds have black plumage with white panels on their tail feathers and a distinctively long, slender bill. Like other cockatoos, they are also known for their social behavior.

19. Carnaby's Black Cockatoo

Carnaby black cockatoo or short billed black cockatoo lives in eucalyptus woodlands, forests, and coastal areas. These endangered birds can be seen in flocks even during the non-breeding season. They have a varied diet, including seeds, nuts, flowers, and fruits.

20. Palm Cockatoo

The palm cockatoos are the unique species that are found in the rainforests and woodlands of New Guinea and northern Australia. These cockatoo types are easily recognizable by their black plumage, large, powerful bill, and striking red facial patches that change color with the bird’s emotional state. These types of cockatoos parrots are also known for their drumming behavior.

21. Cockatiel

Cockatiel is a small and highly popular type of cockatoo species that has a distinctive crest and bright orange cheek patches. These birds are known for their pleasant whistling and ability to mimic sounds, which made them a popular pet worldwide.

How to Choose the Right Cockatoo Parrot?

• Commitment Level: The cockatoo breeds are highly social birds that require several hours of interaction on a daily basis. Also, cockatoos can live up to 70 years, so it is a long-term commitment.
• Assess Your Living Space: Cockatoos need a large cage with a proper space to fly and exercise. They can be loud, especially during the early morning and evening.
• Consider Costs: The prices of all cockatoo types vary depending on their species. And you should also consider the cost of food, toys, veterinary care, and cage maintenance.
• Health and Diet: When getting a cockatoo, check about their dietary needs also, make sure to include toys and activities to keep them mentally stimulated.

Summing Up!

As the list of the different types of cockatoos parrots ends, we are sure that you can now find your perfect cockatoo pet. Whether you like the playful antics of Little Corella or the striking beauty of Major Mitchell's cockatoo, each species will offer you unique qualities and challenges. 

When getting a cockatoo parrot, it is important to understand their special needs and characteristics of the cockatoo to get a perfect companion that will bring you joy, companionship, and vibrant energy into your life for many years to come.

For people who have a cockatoo as a pet or are bird enthusiasts, Pets by Numbers offer the perfect custom pet painting by number kit that will help you create a beautiful masterpiece featuring the majestic cockatoo.