Popular Cockatoo Parrots

Black Palm Cockatoos are large, powerful birds that require the expertise of experienced parrot owners. While hand fed Black Palm Cockatoos make excellent, tame pets, they still require firm training and are not for those who are new to keeping large parrots. Simply put — these are bold parrots who need bold owners. Do not adopt a Black Palm Cockatoo if you are intimidated by large birds.

Citron Cockatoos are quieter than most cockatoo species, but they have big personalities and they love to play and interact with their owners. Inquisitive and affectionate, a Citron Cockatoo will want to be by your side as often as possible. Like most parrots, these birds need a lot of interaction with their owners, so be prepared to spend time with them.

Goffin’s Cockatoos bond strongly with their owners and require daily interaction to maintain their mental and emotional health. These birds simply cannot thrive if they are neglected, and will resort to destructive behaviors if their need for interaction is not met. Due to their personalities, Goffin’s Cockatoos are recommended for experienced bird owners that can spend significant time with them.

The Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo is an attractive and intelligent bird and is among the most ​sought-after Cockatoo species. While it can be tempting to rush out and buy one of these beautiful birds, Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos need specialized care and environments that not all bird owners can accommodate. They are recommended for experienced bird owners, preferably those who are familiar with large parrots.

Moluccan Cockatoos are very affectionate birds that bond strongly with their owners and thrive on interaction. Those interested in owning a Moluccan Cockatoo should want a cuddly and somewhat clingy feathered friend, as these birds like to stay close by their owners. Like most of the birds on this list, owners should expect to spend a significant amount of time socializing with a Moluccan Cockatoo.

Their striking pink and gray feathers and friendly personalities have made Rose-Breasted Cockatoos popular pets. Native to Australia, these birds can live up to 80 years in captivity if they are kept in good health. Also known as “galahs,” Rose-Breasted Cockatoos are loud and bold, so don’t expect a docile, quiet companion if you bring one of these birds into your home.

Slender-Billed Cockatoos, also known as Long-Billed Corellas have long been popular as pets in their native Australia, and are beginning to attract fans in other parts of the world. The needs of a Slender-Billed Cockatoo is similar to other parrots: They crave interaction with their owners and require daily handling and socialization to maintain their emotional health.

Large parrots like Sulphur Crested Cockatoos are highly intelligent and need plenty of exercise and space to play. Potential owners should realize that unless these birds are given adequate exercise and mental stimulation, they may be driven to behaviors such as feather plucking and destructive chewing. To combat the onset of these behaviors, owners must be diligent about providing their pets with plenty of toys and attention.

Hand fed Umbrella Cockatoos can be intelligent and well-behaved pets. For a person that can meet the needs of these magnificent birds, which include the attention and interaction that most parrots crave, Umbrella Cockatoos make fine companions. Many are gentle enough to be handled by older children and are beloved family pets.