One of the most iconic parrots of Australia and New Guinea, instantly recognizable by its brilliant white plumage and flamboyant yellow crest that it can raise and lower like a feathery crown. While most cockatoos share the white body and expressive crest, the sulphur-crested is distinct for its vivid yellow crest feathers and the soft yellow wash under its wings and tail. When excited or alarmed, the crest shoots up dramatically, turning the bird into a living exclamation mark.
Its remarkable adaptability and bold personality make the sulphur-crested cockatoo different from many other cockatoos. While some cockatoos prefer remote forests, this species thrives just as well in wild eucalyptus woodlands as it does in urban neighborhoods. In Australian cities, it has learned to forage in gardens, pry open garbage bins, and even destroy wooden decks or window frames with its powerful beak. This mix of intelligence and mischief has made it both loved and notorious—farmers often see them as crop-raiding pests, while city-dwellers enjoy their antics as cheeky neighbors. Their intelligence is on full display in the wild, too: flocks are known to post sentries that call out warnings while others feed, showing high social coordination.
Social behavior is another defining feature of the sulphur-crested cockatoo. They are rarely seen alone, instead forming flocks that can number in the dozens or even hundreds. These groups are noisy, playful, and constantly on the move, filling the air with their screeches and acrobatics. At dusk, flocks often gather at traditional roost sites, creating a deafening chorus as they settle into trees. Within the group, pairs are strongly bonded, often remaining together for life. They show affection by mutual preening and by sitting closely side by side, even during flights.
Distribution
Australia
Indonesia
New Zealand
Palau
Papua New Guinea
Puerto RicoAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Flock
Diet: Carnivore / Frugivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
