Hand-reared citron-crested cockatoo can make good pets, as they are generally friendly and sociable, and of a curious nature. They do like to chew , but are not as noisy as most cockatoos. In fact, generally they are quiet, but they can make a moderately loud honking/screeching sound.
The citron cockatoo is a slightly smaller, quieter, and more subdued variety of the sulphur-crested cockatoo. It is a subspecies of the lesser sulphur-crested cockatoo. Its distinctive orange crest sets it apart from the yellow plumes of the other subspecies. Its personality makes it a popular choice for owners who want to be needed by a pet bird and have the time to do so.
TAXONOMY:
Genus: English: White Black-billed Cockatoos … Dutch: Wit and Zwartsnavelkakatoes … German: Eigentliche Kakadus … French: Cacatoès
Species: Scientific: Cacatua sulphurea citrinocristata … English: Citron-crested Cockatoos …Dutch: Orangekuifkakatoe … German: Orangehaubenkakadu …French: Petit Cacatoès à huppe orangée
CITES II – Endangered Species … Distribution: Sumba
Speech and Vocalizations
Birds who become talkers are most vocal early in the morning. Citron cockatoos are less skilled at vocal imitation than other members of the parrot family with learned vocabularies of no more than about 15 words and phrases. These birds are generally quiet by parrot standards, but they can make loud growling sounds that can suddenly escalate to very high-pitched, startling shrieks. Citron cockatoos are not the right choice for those who live in apartments or condominiums; their potential screams and vocalizations may bother nearby neighbors.
Citron-Crested Cockatoo Colors and Markings
Citron cockatoos are mostly white with pale orange patches on their cheeks, pale yellow on the undersides of their wings and tail feathers, and a bright orange crest that clearly distinguishes them from the other sulfur-crested subspecies, which have yellow crests. The citron cockatoo has dark gray feet and grayish-black beaks.
Males and females look identical. The only noticeable difference is that males have black eyes, while females have brown eyes. This difference is only apparent in adult birds; maturity occurs between 3 to 5 years of age.
Caring for a Citron-Crested Cockatoo
Like all cockatoos, they are social birds that require a lot of human interaction to remain emotionally healthy. Citrons that feel neglected will quickly resort to screaming and destructive behaviors. If you’re unable to interact with them, some owners report that their birds appreciate having a television or radio left on; they are especially fond of music.
While citrons are among the smaller of the cockatoo species, these birds still need plenty of living space. The minimum cage size for a citron cockatoo is one with a 4-foot long by 4-foot wide and at least 4 feet tall. Bigger is better; an aviary setting is ideal.