Moluccan Cockatoo

Looks how to spot one

Feathered; very large cockatoo with a backward-curving crest

One of the largest white cockatoos, with plumage washed in soft peach-pink. When it lifts its big crest, hidden salmon-orange feathers flash into view. The undersides of the wings and tail have a yellowish tint, and the beak is grey-black. Males usually have black eyes and females dark brown; females are a little smaller. It produces a lot of fine powder down.123

Personality what they are like

A deeply affectionate bird that wants to be close to its people for much of the day. It is intelligent, energetic and playful, may learn a few words, and has one of the most powerful voices of any bird. It suits a household where someone is home a lot and can give it plenty of attention.32

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. It needs daily time out of the cage, a large play gym, lots of chewable toys and foraging activities; expect to replace wooden toys and perches often.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Makes plenty of powder down, so frequent baths or showers help its feathers, and regular dusting keeps the room clean. Provide safe wood to chew for beak care.43

Home where they are happiest

Needs the largest, sturdiest cage you can manage, securely welded with strong locks, plus a play stand or bird-safe room. LafeberVet gives cockatoo bar spacing of 1.3-1.9 cm and perches 1.9-5 cm across.34

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Wild birds eat nuts, young coconuts, seeds, berries and insects. For a pet, use a good pellet or formulated food with fresh vegetables and fruit, some nuts, and foraging-style treats instead of a seed-only diet.13

Company who they like around

Very social. In the wild it moves in pairs during breeding and small groups of up to about 16 at other times, gathering at noisy roosts. Lafeber suggests a second bird for owners who are away often.13

The story where it all began

Gmelin described the species in 1788, and it was later moved into the genus Cacatua. It comes only from the Seram islands of eastern Indonesia, where heavy trapping for the bird trade and forest loss led to its Endangered listing and CITES Appendix I protection in 1989. It breeds well in captivity and is widely known among aviculturists.21

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List

Endangered.1

CITES

Appendix I (since 1989).2

Taxonomy

Described by Gmelin in 1788 as Psittacus moluccensis; no subspecies.2