Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

Cacatua galerita

You may recognize today's animal, the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, from their popularity in the pet industry and from their iconic looks. In the wild they hail from Australia and New Guinea, and in some places they are so numerous that they are actually considered pests!

When you think of a Cockatoo, you probably envision this species- snowy white body, large yellow crest on the head, loud squawks and even the ability to mimic words! In captivity they have been taught numerous tricks, sounds, and behaviors.

In the wild they are incredibly gregarious, and live in flocks that can number into the hundreds. They feed on fruits, grains, seeds, and the occasional insect. Their large flocks and feeding habits have caused damage to some farm areas, but they are a protected bird in Australia, so removal can only be done with the required permits.

Cockatoos

Sulphur-crested Cockatoos breed at different times of the year, depending on their location. Southern flocks tend to breed during the spring and summer, while Northern flocks are on a more wintertime schedule. Pairs come together and build their own nests (usually in a hollow tree), and 2-3 eggs are laid. Both parents help to incubate, and later feed, their chicks.

As previously mentioned, Sulphur-crested Cockatoos are popular in the pet industry. Their international trade is regulated, which means that most in North America were captive bred. As a pet they are very, very demanding. Because they are such social birds in the wild, they need to form strong bonds with their human caregivers in order to have their companionship needs satisfied. They can be loud and destructive (to themselves and their enclosures) if they don't receive the proper amount of attention and stimulation. However, if you do have the time and energy for one of these beautiful birds (and I stress time - they can live over 70 years!) they can be extremely loving, affectionate pets.

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IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : Australia, New Guinea
Size : Body Length up to 22in (55cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Psittaciformes
Family : Cacatuidae -- Genus : Cacatua -- Species : C. galerita

Golden Parakeet

Guaruba guarouba

The Golden Parakeet is a gorgeous yellow Parrot with dark green flight feathers. These vibrant birds are endemic to Brazil, and live in only a handful of regions.

There is little definitively information about the wild Golden Parakeets, as they are rare and have only recently been the subject of scientific study. We do know that fruits, seeds, and nuts make up most of their diets. They also seem to live in small flocks, and breed during the December-April wet season. Nests are sometimes communal, meaning that multiple females will lay eggs within the same nest. When the chicks hatch, all of the flock adults help to care for the young.

Sadly, Golden Parakeets are becoming incredibly rare in the wild, and are now listed as Endangered. It is estimated that there less than 2,500 left in the wild, and that number continues to drop. Deforestation has been a major contributor to their decline; the construction of roads and dams has drastically altered their habitats. The birds are also illegally captured for the pet trade; their bright colors make them highly sought after.

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IUCN Status : Endangered
Location : Brazil
Size : Length up to 13in (34cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Psittaciformes
Family : Psittacidae -- Genus : Guaruba-- Species : G. guarouba

Blue-and-yellow Macaw

Ara ararauna

The Blue-and-yellow Macaw is a very striking parrot found in the tropical forests of South America (though there are a few introduced populations in Florida as well). They are large members of their family, growing to lengths of nearly 3ft.

These Macaws have some pretty amazing mouths. They are able to move both their upper and lower beaks (a feat that many bird species cannot physically accomplish) and they have an amazing range of strength and dexterity with them. They can crack huge nuts and seeds, but also delicately peel fruit! They even use their beaks to help them climb!

Their beaks aren't their only neat feature. Blue-and-yellow Macaws also have the ability to mimic sounds, including human voices. They also produce a wide range of other vocalizations, including screams and whistles, that can be heard from long distances away. Blue-and-yellow Macaws are incredibly social animals-- they live in flocks that can number over 100 birds. Imagine seeing that many Macaws flying over your head!

Blue-and-yellow Macaws

Macaw pairs mate for life, which can be quite a long time. They reach sexual maturity around age 4, but can live as long as 60 years! Pairs will always stick close to one another within the flock, and when it comes time to breed they build a nest in a tree cavity. Mom does all the incubating, while dad brings her food. Sadly, though they lay 2-3 eggs, the parents will really only care for the strongest chick. This means that the siblings will most likely die before they are old enough to fledge.

Blue-and-yellow Macaws are kept as pets, but they are very demanding creatures to own. Their social nature, intelligence, size, and lifespan mean that only the most dedicated owners can keep them content. They need a great deal of socialization and space to fly in. Unhappy Macaws can become incredibly destructive to both themselves and their surroundings.

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IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : South America
Size : Length up to 34in (86cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Psittaciformes
Family : Psittacidae -- Genus : Ara -- Species : A. ararauna

Hyacinth Macaw

Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus

The Hyacinth Macaw is a stunning member of the Parrot family that can be found in parts of Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia. They are the longest Parrots in the world, and the largest flying species. But they do not take the top prize for heaviest- that honor of course goes to our flightless Kakapo friends.

You can tell you are looking at a Hyacinth due to its vibrant blue coloration accented by yellow around the eyes and beak. There is another parrot species, the Lears Macaw, that has the same colors but a much smaller in size.

Hyacinth Macaws might look like jungle dwelling birds, but they are actually more common in grasslands and semi-wooded areas. They feed on different types of seed and nut, using their strong bills to crack them open. But interestingly, there are some palm nuts that the Macaws will eat only after they have soften... by going through the digestive tracts of livestock.

Hyacinth Macaws are an endangered species, and are protected by law in Bolivia and Brazil. Their commercial export is also banned through CITES Appendix I, but that hasn't completely stopped illegal traders from snatching them from the wild. Their size and coloration has made them very sought after in the pet industry, and can be legally purchased, though they sell for as much as $10,000.

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IUCN Status : Endangered

Location : South America
Size : Length up to 3.3ft (1m), Weight up to 3.5lbs (1.6kg)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Psittaciformes
Family : Psittacidae -- Genus : Anodorhynchus -- Species : A. hyacinthinus

Galah

Eolophus roseicapilla

The Galah, or Rose-breasted Cockatoo, is a very wide-spread Cockatoo that cane be found throughout Australia. Their name is derived from the Yuwaalaraay word that is used to describe the birds.

Galahs can be found in just about every corner of the continent, living in habitats that range from urban cities to woodlands, to open fields. They feed on different seeds, leaves, and grains, as well as on insects.

As adults, Galahs have bright pink heads and chests, with a lighter pink crest and grey wings. They are even sometimes referred to as "Pink and Greys." The only real difference between males and females is the eye color-- males have dark eyes, while the females have reddish-brown eyes.

Galahs live in flicks that can number from a few dozen to a few hundred. They stick together while foraging, but  will often go slightly off on their own while nesting. Males perform a dance, complete with stick waving and head bobs, in order to attract a mate. Galahs are monogamous for life, and form very strong bonds with one another. When it comes time to breed they will build a nest in a tree cavity and lay 2-3 eggs which are incubated and cared for by both parents.

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IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : Australia
Size : Length up to 14in (35cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Psittaciformes
Family : Cacatuidae -- Genus : Eolophus-- Species : E. roseicapilla