Top 10 Cockatoo Species That Make Great Pets

Cockatoos are affectionate members of the parrot family, often called “velcro birds” because of their strong bond with their caretakers. They thrive on attention and love spending time with humans, making them incredibly loyal pets. However, these birds aren’t easy to care for. They need constant interaction, can be noisy, and may develop destructive behaviors if neglected.

Despite the challenges, cockatoos are beautiful, intelligent, and loving creatures. With the right care, they can form deep bonds and become lifelong companions. Here are 10 popular cockatoo species that are commonly kept as pets.

1. Bare-Eyed Cockatoo

• Length: 14 to 17 inches
• Weight: 11 to 16 ounces
• Physical Characteristics: White plumage with pink on the face, gray-tan beak, and gray-blue circles around the eyes

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Overview:
The bare-eyed cockatoo is known more for its playful and sweet personality than its looks. These birds are smaller than most cockatoo species, making them suitable for families with children or those with limited space. They are intelligent, affectionate, and easy to train with consistent care.

2. Black Palm Cockatoo

• Length: 23 inches
• Weight: 32 to 42 ounces
• Physical Characteristics: Smoky gray feathers, long crest, gray feet and beak, and red patches on the cheeks

Overview:
The black palm cockatoo is large and powerful, requiring experienced owners. While hand-fed individuals can become excellent pets, they need firm training to remain tame. Their bold nature and strong beak demand confidence and consistent handling from caretakers.

3. Citron Cockatoo

• Length: 14 inches
• Weight: 16 ounces
• Physical Characteristics: Mostly white with orange cheek patches, yellow under the wings and tail, an orange crest, and gray feet and beak

Overview:
Quieter than other cockatoos, the citron cockatoo has a friendly and inquisitive personality. These birds form close bonds with their owners and enjoy social interaction and playtime. Be prepared to spend several hours each day engaging with your pet to keep them healthy and happy.

4. Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo

• Length: 15 to 20 inches
• Weight: 12 to 31 ounces
• Physical Characteristics: White body with a bright yellow crest and a black beak

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Overview:
One of the most intelligent cockatoo species, sulphur-crested cockatoos need plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Without sufficient interaction, they may develop destructive habits like feather picking or excessive chewing. They require a spacious environment and plenty of toys to stay active.

5. Goffin’s Cockatoo

• Length: 13 inches
• Weight: 8 to 14 ounces
• Physical Characteristics: Mostly white feathers with pink near the beak, sides, and crest; yellow under the wings; gray feet and beak

Overview:
The Goffin’s cockatoo is intelligent and slightly mischievous, often getting into playful trouble if not properly engaged. They need regular social interaction and stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. These birds are better suited for experienced parrot owners.

6. Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo

• Length: 14 inches
• Weight: 15 ounces
• Physical Characteristics: Pinkish-white body, pink neck patches, pink underwings, and a colorful crest with shades of pink, yellow, and orange

Overview:
The Major Mitchell’s cockatoo is admired for its stunning crest and beautiful coloring. These birds need specialized care and large enclosures, making them more suitable for experienced bird owners. They form strong bonds with their caregivers and need consistent interaction.

7. Moluccan Cockatoo

• Length: 20 inches
• Weight: 30 ounces
• Physical Characteristics: White plumage with pink highlights around the crest and yellow-peach feathers under the wings

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Overview:
Known for their affectionate and cuddly nature, Moluccan cockatoos bond deeply with their owners. They need constant companionship and are best suited for individuals who can be home most of the day. Without attention, they may develop separation anxiety or destructive habits.

8. Rose-Breasted Cockatoo (Galah)

• Length: 12 to 15 inches
• Weight: 10 to 14 ounces
• Physical Characteristics: Pink chest and face, gray wings and back, gray feet, and a pinkish-white crest

Overview:
Also known as the galah, the rose-breasted cockatoo is a bold and social bird. Their vibrant coloring and friendly personalities make them popular pets. With proper care, they can live up to 80 years in captivity. These birds are loud and love interacting with their owners.

9. Umbrella Cockatoo

• Length: 18 inches
• Weight: 16 to 26 ounces
• Physical Characteristics: Mostly white plumage, pale yellow under the wings and tail, large white crest, and black beak

Overview:
The umbrella cockatoo is friendly, affectionate, and intelligent. They can learn tricks and mimic speech when trained consistently. These birds form strong bonds with their owners and require lots of attention to stay emotionally healthy.

10. Slender-Billed Cockatoo (Long-Billed Corella)

• Length: 16 to 20 inches
• Weight: 23 ounces
• Physical Characteristics: White plumage with a pink cast, pink markings above the beak and neck, long curved beak, and small crest

Overview:
Native to Australia, the slender-billed cockatoo is an intelligent bird that thrives on social interaction. These birds need daily handling to stay tame and happy. They are similar in care requirements to other large parrots and form strong emotional bonds with their owners.

Cockatoos are affectionate, intelligent, and loyal birds that form deep bonds with their owners. However, they require consistent care, attention, and interaction to stay emotionally and physically healthy. From the playful bare-eyed cockatoo to the majestic Moluccan cockatoo, each species has unique needs and personality traits.

Before bringing a cockatoo home, ensure you have the time, space, and commitment to care for one of these incredible birds properly. With the right care, a cockatoo can become a loving companion for decades.

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