Types of Cockatoos: 13 Stunning Species With Unique Personalities

Published: 3 May 2025

Cockatoos are some of the most affectionate and intelligent birds in the parrot family. With their expressive crests and outgoing personalities, they’ve captured the hearts of bird lovers around the world. But did you know there are many different types of cockatoos, each with its own look and temperament?

In this guide, you’ll explore all types of cockatoo species, from the popular to the rare, and discover which ones might be the best fit for your home.

Table of Content

What Are Cockatoos?

Cockatoos are a type of parrot known for their striking crests, curved beaks, and loud calls. They belong to the Cacatuidae family and are native to Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands.

They’re incredibly social and bond deeply with their human companions. If you’re wondering, “Are cockatoos a type of parrot?” The answer is yes! They are one of the most recognizable parrot species in the world.

How Many Types of Cockatoos Are There?

You might be surprised to learn how many types of cockatoos are there in the wild and in captivity. There are 21 recognized species of cockatoos, though only a handful are common as pets. These birds range widely in color, size, and behavior.

Let’s dive into the different types of cockatoo you might encounter.

Major Types of Cockatoo

1. Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo

The Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo is one of the most recognizable cockatoos. It has white feathers, a striking yellow crest, and a bold personality.

Size: 17 to 20 inches
Lifespan: 70+ years
Personality: Loud, intelligent, and affectionate

These birds need daily attention and can develop behavioral issues if ignored. They’re popular in aviculture but require large cages and mental stimulation.

2. Umbrella Cockatoo

The Umbrella Cockatoo is named for its wide, fan-shaped white crest that opens like an umbrella when excited.

Native to: Indonesia
Size: Around 18 inches
Traits: Cuddly, emotionally sensitive, and playful

They form strong bonds with owners and may suffer from separation anxiety. Umbrella Cockatoos need social interaction, toys, and softwood to chew on.

3. Moluccan Cockatoo

Also called the Salmon-Crested Cockatoo, the Moluccan is a large, pinkish-white bird with a dramatic orange-pink crest.

Size: 20 inches or more
Lifespan: 60–80 years
Needs: High attention and stimulation

This species is extremely vocal and can be destructive if bored. Due to their emotional needs, they are best suited for experienced bird owners.

4. Goffin’s Cockatoo

Goffin’s Cockatoo, or Tanimbar Corella, is the smallest cockatoo species. It has white feathers with light salmon tones around the face.

Size: Around 12 inches
Lifespan: 40 years
Behavior: Curious, clever, and agile

They are quick learners and love puzzles. Goffins are ideal for someone looking for a smaller cockatoo with a big personality.

5. Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo (Leadbeater’s)

Known for its beautiful red and yellow crest, this cockatoo is a visual delight. It has soft pink and white feathers.

Size: 13–15 inches
Nature: Gentle but not overly affectionate
Special Note: Doesn’t do well in noisy environments

Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos are best housed in peaceful homes. They require special diets and enjoy outdoor aviaries when possible.

6. Galah Cockatoo (Rose-Breasted)

The Galah is one of the most colorful cockatoos, with pink chests and gray backs.

Popular in: Australia
Lifespan: Up to 50 years
Temperament: Social, funny, and highly active

These cockatoos are easy to train and enjoy being around humans. However, they can become overweight without proper diet and activity.

7. Bare-Eyed Cockatoo (Little Corella)

This cockatoo has blue skin around its eyes, giving it a unique look. It is often seen in large wild flocks.

Size: 14–16 inches
Lifespan: 40–60 years
Known for: Loud screeches and playful energy

Bare-Eyed Cockatoos are great mimics. They bond deeply with their owners and love physical activity and foraging.

8. Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoo

This stunning bird is all black with bright yellow cheek patches and tail bands.

Size: 22–26 inches
Diet: Seeds, nuts, and wood-boring grubs
Lifespan: Up to 50 years

It’s a gentle giant with a powerful beak. This species thrives in aviaries and needs lots of space to fly and forage.

9. Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo

A majestic cockatoo with red tail feathers and an all-black body.

Native to: Australia
Size: Up to 24 inches
Best for: Experienced owners due to size and care needs

These birds are quieter than white cockatoos. Their beauty and intelligence make them prized but not easy to keep.

10. Glossy Black Cockatoo

The Glossy Black is quieter and smaller than other black cockatoos. It has glossy dark feathers and red tail panels.

Diet: Mostly she-oak seeds
Size: 18–20 inches
Endangered in some areas

They need quiet homes and specialized diets. They’re best suited for breeders and conservation-minded keepers.

11. Palm Cockatoo

This is the largest and most dramatic of all cockatoos. It has black feathers, a huge beak, and a blood-red cheek patch.

Size: 24 inches
Lifespan: 50–60 years
Famous for: Using tools to drum on trees

Palm Cockatoos are hard to breed and not common in homes. They’re admired more for their wild behavior than as pets.

12. Blue-Eyed Cockatoo

This rare cockatoo has vibrant blue eye-rings and white feathers. It is found only in parts of Papua New Guinea.

Status: Near-threatened
Size: 17 inches
Personality: Shy and not often seen in captivity

Due to its rarity, it is mostly studied in the wild. Conservation is key to its survival.

13. Slender-Billed Corella

Easily identified by its narrow beak and soft white and pink plumage.

Native to: Southern Australia
Size: 15–17 inches
Behavior: Social, noisy, and smart

They can learn to talk and enjoy being part of a flock. This species loves foraging and digging with its long beak.

What Is the Friendliest Cockatoo?

If you’re looking for a bird that loves to snuggle, you might wonder, “What is the friendliest cockatoo?” The Umbrella Cockatoo and the Goffin’s Cockatoo are top contenders. These birds thrive on attention and form strong bonds with their owners.

However, every cockatoo has a unique personality, so early socialization is key.

What Is the Rarest Cockatoo?

The rarest cockatoo is arguably the Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoo, which is facing habitat loss in the wild. Other rare types include the Red-Vented Cockatoo, found only in parts of the Philippines.

While these birds may not be common in pet homes, they play vital roles in their native ecosystems and are protected in the wild.

💡 General Care Tips for All Cockatoos

Caring for cockatoos involves daily interaction, mental stimulation, and a clean, spacious environment.

Key care tips include:

Provide at least 2–3 hours of out-of-cage time daily
Use bird-safe toys and rotating enrichment items
Monitor behavior and weight weekly
Ensure routine vet visits for early illness detection

Cockatoos can live for decades, so commitment is crucial.

🥦 Diet and Nutrition Overview

A healthy diet keeps cockatoos happy and long-lived. Their food must be balanced and varied.

Ideal diet includes:

60% high-quality pellets
20% fresh fruits and vegetables
10% nuts and seeds (as treats)
Fresh water available at all times

Avoid avocado, chocolate, caffeine, and salty snacks—they’re toxic.

🧠 Behavioral Traits and Training Needs

Cockatoos are emotional and smart birds. They thrive on bonding and training.

Behavioral traits:

Can mimic words and sounds
May scream or bite if bored
Often crave constant attention

Positive reinforcement works best for training. Always reward good behavior and avoid punishment.

🏥 Common Health Issues in Cockatoos

Cockatoos are prone to some specific health problems, especially if neglected.

Watch out for:

Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD)
Feather plucking (from stress or boredom)
Fatty liver disease (from poor diet)
Respiratory infections

Regular vet visits and a clean environment help prevent many issues.

Summary: Which Cockatoo is Right for You?

Here’s a quick overview of some popular types of cockatoos:

Type of Cockatoo	Size	Personality	Beginner Friendly
Sulphur-Crested	Large	Energetic, Loud	No
Umbrella	Large	Affectionate	Yes (With Time)
Moluccan	Large	Sensitive	No
Goffin’s	Medium	Playful, Smart	Yes
Major Mitchell’s	Medium	Calm, Pretty	No
Black Palm	Very Large	Independent	No

Choosing the right cockatoo means considering their needs, your lifestyle, and your experience with birds. Whether you want a talkative companion or a quiet friend, there’s a cockatoo out there for you.

Conclusion

So, guys in this article we have discussed about Types of Cockatoos in detail. Cockatoos are a vibrant and diverse group within the parrot family. From the energetic Sulphur-Crested to the affectionate Umbrella Cockatoo, each species brings its own personality, charm, and care requirements. Understanding the types of cockatoo, including their friendliness, rarity, and suitability for home life, is key to choosing the right bird for your lifestyle. Whether you’re drawn to the playful Goffin’s or intrigued by the exotic Black Palm, there’s a cockatoo to match every kind of bird lover. These birds are not just pets—they become family, so it’s important to choose wisely and care deeply.

Want to learn more about parrots and their unique personalities? Don’t miss our next article on “Sulphur Crested Cockatoo: Which Parrot Fits You Best?” and dive deeper into the world of companion birds!

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about Types of Cockatoos, with answers to keep your feathered friend safe and healthy!

1. Are cockatoos a type of parrot?

Yes, cockatoos are part of the parrot family known as Cacatuidae. They share traits like curved beaks and high intelligence with other parrots. Their crests and vocal nature make them easy to recognize.

2. How many types of cockatoos are there?

There are 21 recognized species of cockatoos. Some are well-known as pets, while others are rare and live only in the wild. Each species has its own care needs and behavior.

3. What is the friendliest cockatoo?

The Umbrella Cockatoo and the Goffin’s Cockatoo are often called the friendliest. They bond deeply with their owners and enjoy physical affection. Socialization helps bring out their best behavior.

4. What is the rarest cockatoo?

The rarest cockatoo is likely the Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoo. It’s found in limited regions and suffers from habitat loss. Others, like the Red-Vented Cockatoo, are critically endangered.

5. Can cockatoos talk like other parrots?

Yes, some cockatoos can mimic words and sounds. They’re not as fluent as African Greys or Amazons, but they’re great at vocalizing. Training and patience are key.

6. Which cockatoo is best for beginners?

Goffin’s Cockatoo is often recommended for first-time owners. They’re smaller, easier to manage, and very playful. Still, they need time and attention like all parrots.

7. Do all types of cockatoo have crests?

Yes, all cockatoos have some form of crest. These crests help express emotions like excitement or fear. Some, like the Umbrella and Major Mitchell’s, have especially dramatic ones.

8. Are cockatoos high maintenance pets?

Yes, most cockatoos are high maintenance. They need daily interaction, mental stimulation, and lots of space. Without proper care, they may develop behavior issues.

9. Do cockatoos live a long time?

Absolutely cockatoos can live 40 to 70 years. Their long lifespan makes them a lifelong commitment. It’s important to plan for their future care.

10. Where can I find pictures of different types of cockatoo?

Many websites, bird books, and forums offer types of cockatoo with pictures. These visuals help identify physical differences between breeds. Always use reliable sources for accurate info.