Cockatoos

Cockatoos are a distinctive group of parrots with prominent crests and curved bills, recognized for their less colorful plumage, usually in shades of white, grey, and black with splashes of colors like yellow, pink, or red. These birds are found primarily in Australasia, with various species adapted to a whole host of environments from rainforests to open country. The most common and smallest species, the cockatiel, has an uncertain position in the cockatoo family tree. Cockatoos generally feast on seeds, nuts, tubers, corms, fruits, flowers, and insects, often assembling in large flocks. Notoriously monogamous, they nest in tree hollows with habitat loss affecting some species' populations, while others have thrived by adapting to agricultural landscapes. Aviculture regards cockatoos as charming yet challenging pets owing to their complex care requirements. The cockatiel remains the most favored species for captivity, often thriving better than the larger white or black cockatoos. The illegal pet trade contributes to some species' declines in the wild, highlighting the need for conservation efforts. The word "cockatoo" itself originates from the Dutch 'kaketoe' and Malay 'kakatua'. In Australian slang, the term also has associations with being a lookout or a small-scale farmer. Taxonomically, they've been shuffled between full and subfamily statuses. Most are medium to large birds with strong bills and zygodactyl feet, although plumage and vocalizations can vary across species. These birds engage in complex social behaviors, including learning from one another, as evidenced by their ability to spread new skills like opening garbage bins across communities. While some species have been negatively impacted by human activities, others are prospering due to changes in the landscape and sometimes become agricultural pests - leading them to be controlled in various ways. Conservation-wise, habitat loss and wildlife trade threaten some species more than others, with several species being listed as vulnerable or endangered. The international pet trade, regulations under CITES, and domestic legislation in countries like Australia and Indonesia are just a few factors influencing the survival of these charismatic birds in the wild.