The Umbrella cockatoo (Cacatua alba) is one of the large species of cockatoo. It’s feathers are white, with a white crest and a bright yellow patch at the inner side of the wings. It has a black bill and grey feet. Around the eye is a small blue circle of skin. Males have black eyes, young umbrella cockatoos and females have brown eyes.
The umbrella cockatoo certainly makes a charming, affectionate pet, but it’s not for everyone. An umbrella cockatoo demands attention and needs an owner who can set boundaries.
| Nickname | U2 |
| Common name |
Umbrella cockatoo |
| Scientific name |
Cacatua alba |
| Color of feathers |
White, yellow underside of wings. |
| Color of crest | White |
| Body size |
45 cm |
| Sex differences |
Male has black eyes, female has brown eyes |
| Affectionate | Yes |
| Cage or aviary |
Both possible |
| Usual cost | Medium expensive |
Natural origin
The Umbrella cockatoo originally is found in Indonesia. The live mostly in forest areas and do not venture out to the open field often. They live in small groups of around 2 to 10 individuals.
Care & Feeding
The umbrella cockatoo is a long-term commitment for an owner — this species can live up to 70 years with proper care and attention. Unfortunately, many of these sensitive birds don’t live that long. They are prone to self-mutilation and the infections that result from that abnormal behavior.
Because this bird is large and hates being confined to the point of chewing and picking out its feathers, it requires a large space to live in, preferably an enormous, well-build cage with a top that opens into a playstand. An umbrella can’t live happily in a small space, and will become weary and apathetic or agitated and aggressive if confined.
The umbrella cockatoo owner should have experience with parrots before taking on this feathered handful. This is not a good first bird, nor is a good child’s pet. The umbrella also tends to become spoiled very easily, and will not take well to changes in routine, or additions to the family, such as an infant or new puppy.
Food for cockatoos should be nutritious, but should also include a foraging element as well. Cockatoos are fun-loving, intelligent and energetic parrots, and their food should reflect those traits. Wild cockatoos forage all day for seeds and nuts, as well as coconuts and grain crops. Like all companion parrots, cockatoos do not thrive on birdseed alone. Cockatoo food shouldn’t be boring to eat, either, and will love foods like Avi-Cakes, Pellet-Berries, Nutri-Berries, and Lafeber’s Premium Daily Diet Pellets.
Another serious consideration for a new owner is the powder dust that these cockatoos emit, which can irritate those owners with sensitive respiratory systems or allergies. Use air purifiers if you have room for them, as these items help to cut down on the dust. Regular bathing with clear, warm water will also help.
Umbrella Cockatoo As A Pet
Umbrella Cockatoos make extremely sweet, charming, intelligent, and well behaved pets. Just as with any bird, however, prospective owners should be sure that they can meet the needs of an Umbrella before rushing out and buying one. Most are gentle enough to be handled by older children, and many Umbrella Cockatoos are beloved family pets.
Umbrella Cockatoos are large birds, and they need a large cage and area to play in. They can also be quite loud when they decide to be, being able to produce a call that can be heard for up to 3 miles away! For a person that can meet the needs of these magnificent birds, Umbrella Cockatoos can be the best-feathered friend in the world.