Cockatoos exhibit a range of fascinating behaviors. However, we, especially the uninformed, frequently misinterpret them. So, these are the behavioral traits of different cockatoos.
| Cockatoo – As pets | Social behavior | Temperament | Vocalization | Intelligence |
| Sulphur Crested Cockatoos – Excellent | Adaptive | Sometimes highly destructive and prone to biting | Very loud- crackling sounds | High 1. Almost as par with chimpanzees 2. Can learn manners and tricks 3. Can mimic sounds |
| Umbrella Cockatoos – Excellent | Very social | Gentle, docile, and sweet-tempered but if not given anything to shred, they may become pretty destructive | Very loud | High 1. They are highly inquisitive 2. Can learn manners and tricks 3. Easily trainable |
| Moluccan Cockatoos – Great | Shy and cautious | Affectionate but will self-mutilate when bored or stressed | Loud, piercing calls | High 1. They can learn to do tricks and dance |
| Galah Cockatoos – Very loving | Friendly | Affectionate, sensitive, fun, and energetic | Loud, high-pitched sounds Note: Not as louder as other cockatoos species. Not suitable as an apartment bird. | Very smart 1. Can imitate the human voice and other sounds |
| Goffin Cockatoos – Great | Very social | Affectionate, playful, active, and curious. May also be mischievous. | Screams but relatively quiet | Very smart 1. A clever escape artist 2. Possess high problem-solving skills |
| Carnaby’s black cockatoo – Not appropriate Note: These are endangered birds. So, it is illegal to capture them. | Social and adaptive | – | Highly noisy | Yes |
| Gang-gang cockatoo – Yes | Social and friendly | Lively, playful, and affectionate but may display nervousness in captivity. Also, when anxious or bored, they are prone to feather picking. | Talkative | High 1. They can mimic sounds and repeat small phrases |
| Cockatiel – Excellent Note: Adopt these birds in pairs to prevent them from getting bored. | Highly social | Affectionate and elegant Note: Male cockatiels often hand upside down with the intention to defend their territory. | A wide range of sounds- whistles, screams, whines, clicks, and trills | High 1. Very curious |
Cockatoos’ personalities vary greatly, both within and between different species of the same genus. So, before getting a cockatoo of any kind, receive advice from an expert or a veterinarian. To improve communication with it, keep a close eye on its behavior.
Cockatoo nesting behavior
Both male and female cockatoos help hatch the eggs, just like pigeons.
Nesting behavior in cockatoos, aka hormonal or spring behavior, is observed during spring. These birds may exhibit strange behavior when they go through hormonal changes. For example, your cockatoos may scratch or rip up the paper covering of their cage. They can also remove their feathers on their own.
Besides, you might witness female cockatoos attempting to build a nest or searching for prospective nest-building materials. However, this instinct can become so powerful that the female cockatoo can pull her feather to compensate for nesting requirements.
Here are some other habits your cockatoo may exhibit during the nesting season.
- Screaming
- Being too affectionate
- Feather picking
- Aggressive and territorial male
- Regurgitation of food, etc.
Cockatoo egg-laying behavior
Annette Teng (CC BY 3.0)
All birds are naturally able to lay eggs and raise young. So what is the cockatoo’s behavior when it lays eggs?
During the egg-laying season, the female experiences hormonal changes that frequently cause her to become extremely protective of her eggs. Within these birds, a maternal instinct is at work. They could act aggressively. As a result, they often attack the male bird or their mate.
Cockatoo breeding behavior
Every year, cockatoos reproduce and mate to produce eggs. So let us investigate their breeding habits.
The cockatoo pairings preen each other throughout the breeding season. On the other hand, black cockatoos frequently engage in courting feeding. Making happy noises is another action used by male birds to entice female partners. On the other hand, the females will accept food from the male in what appears to be a kiss.
Because cockatoos are monogamous birds, their relationships last a lifetime or at least several years. A male cockatoo frequently exhibits the following behavior to attract females.
- Makes mating calls
- Pins its eyes on the female
- Raises its crest
- Spreads its wings
Cockatoo aggressive behavior
Cockatoos are affectionate birds that make excellent pets. But these birds can get aggressive from time to time. So let us explore their aggressive behavior.
A cockatoo will exhibit biting behavior if it becomes aggressive. Additionally, they can scream, hunch their heads, puff out their feathers, and pluck their own feathers.
Remember that an aggressive cockatoo is not always malicious. Instead, aggression frequently implies that the bird is poorly socialized, overstressed, bored, or afraid.
Male and female cockatoo behavior
In general, both Male and Female Cockatoo exhibits the same general behavior. Both are intelligent, can imitate speech and sound, are capable of picking up tricks, etc.
With this, cockatoo personality or behavior differs depending on the species more than it does based on gender.
Summary
Cockatoos are, therefore, affectionate and make wonderful pets. In addition, they are exceedingly playful and intelligent. However, when they are mating and laying eggs, their behavior changes. Therefore, before adopting one, it is advised to educate yourself about these birds and their body language.