Cockatoos captivate with their amazing charm, existing in a diverse array of 21 distinct species, each adorned with unique appearances and a vibrant palette of colors. Among these species, the cockatiel emerges as the most commonly chosen avian companion, although the unfortunate menace of illegal cockatoo poaching has cast a shadow over populations of nearly all species in their native habitats. Indigenous to the regions of Australia, Indonesia, New Guinea, the Philippines, and the Solomon Islands, these remarkable birds span a size spectrum from 11 to 26 inches, showcasing an exquisite assortment of feather hues and intricate patterns. Within this article, we will delve into the intricacies of all 21 splendid cockatoo species.
Blue-Eyed Cockatoo
The brilliant blue ring around the eyes gives the blue-eyed cockatoo its name. They rapidly became Favorites because of the cockatoo’s silly and strong-willed nature. Not to add that they are stunning birds. They are extremely rare in the avian pet trade, making them quite valuable. You may have to hunt the surrounding areas for one of these beautiful creatures.
Blue-Eyed Cockatoo Colors and Markings
When you hear the term “blue-eyed cockatoo,” you might believe you’re talking about the iris of the eye. Blue-eyed cockatoos, contrary to their name, have brilliant blue rings around the outer of their eyes.
Species Overview
- Common Names: Blue-eyed cockatoo, cockatoo
- Scientific Name: Cacatua opthalmica
- Adult Size: 20 Inches
- Life Expectancy: 50 Years
Baudin's Black Cockatoo
Baudin’s black cockatoos also known as long-billed black cockatoos, can be recognized by their whole body of dark feathers. Their feathers are mostly black or dark brown. The edges, on the other hand, are tinged with grey or white. These birds can be identified by a white patch on the side of their heads. Unfortunately, only 10,000 to 15,000 of these birds remain in the wild.
Baudin's Black Cockatoo Colors and Markings
Baudin’s Black Cockatoos are unique birds. They are approximately 22 inches long, with scalloping in various colors of dark and light grey. On the crowns of their heads, these birds have a crest of short feathers and white feathers that cover their ears.
Species Overview
- Adult Size: 19-23 Inches
- Weight: 1 to 1.7 pounds
- Habitat: Southwestern Australia
Carnaby's Black Cockatoo
The Carnaby’s black cockatoo resembles the Baudin in appearance. It has the same black feathers as the other bird, with a white mark over its ears. The small crest of feathers on top of their head distinguishes this species. They are known to travel in groups, and some Australian farmers consider them a nuisance because they eat almond crops.
Carnaby's Black Cockatoo Colors and Markings
The tail of Carnaby’s black cockatoo has a vivid white band. Carnaby’s cockatoos have a black beak, a pink eye ring, and a dusky white ear patch on males. Females have a greyish-white beak with a grey eye ring and a yellowish-white ear patch.
Species Overview
- Height: 21-23 Inches
- Weight: 1 to 1.7 pounds
- Habitat: Southwestern Australia
Cockatiel
Cockatiels are a species of parrot that is popular as a companion and family pet. They are native to Australia and may be found all over the world. Cockatiels generally live between 12 and 25 years, depending on their nutrition, habitat, and owner care. Cockatiels are excellent pets because they possess several characteristics that people seek in an animal companion: intelligence, friendliness, longevity, ease of reproduction (if hand-raised), and inexpensive cost.
Cockatiel Colors and Markings
Cockatiels may have pigmentation mutations that cause color and marking variance. Because pigment mutations may be transmitted down through generations, many breeders know exactly the colors and marking types their birds will have as adults.
Species Overview
- Height: 11-12 Inches
- Weight: 2.8 – 3.5 Ounces
- Habitat: Throughout Australia
Solomons Cockatoo
Solomons cockatoos are a beautiful, lively, and unique kind of cockatoo. These birds can also be seen on Bougainville Island and in eastern Papua New Guinea. They flourish in a variety of habitats, including deep forests and sparse woods.
Solomons (Ducorp's) Cockatoo Colors and Markings
Unlike certain birds, which can have a variety of morphs and looks, cockatoos have a fairly plain appearance. Cockatoos have a more uninteresting coloring than parrots, but it does not mean they are ugly. Instead, they are stunning in their simplicity.
Species Overview
- Height: 12 Inches
- Weight: 10 – 14 Ounces
- Habitat: Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands
Galah Cockatoo
Australia is home to the Galah, often known as the rose-breasted cockatoo. This species is one of the few in the wild whose populations are rising rather than falling. Galah’s are also popular pets. They are known to build intimate ties with their masters in captivity.
Galah Cockatoo Colors and Markings
The Galah has a unique appearance that contributes to its allure. Their skin is grayish with white patterns. The legs are grey as well, and the beak is off-white. They have pink heads and breasts, as well as a lighter pink crest on their heads. The color combination distinguishes them from other pink cockatoos.
Species Overview
- Height: 12 Inches
- Weight: 9.5 – 14 Ounces
- Habitat: Australia
Gang-Gang Cockatoo
The weird name Gang-Gang comes from an Indigenous Australian language spoken in the state of New South Wales. The bird gets its name from its lengthy rasping cry, which sounds like a rusted door hinge or the twisting of a corkscrew. The Gang-Gang is such a striking and beautiful bird that it serves as the symbol of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Gang-Gang Cockatoo Colors and Markings
The bodies of adult male Gang-Gangs are gray. The feather edges on a male’s upper body are white, while the feather edges on his underbody are yellow. Females have gray plumage across their whole body, including the head and chest.
Species Overview
- Height: 12 – 13.5 Inches
- Weight: 8 – 11.5 Ounces
- Habitat: Southeastern Australia
Glossy Black Cockatoo
The glossy black cockatoo is a lovely bird. The Calyptorhynchinae subfamily’s smallest member is the glossy black cockatoo, which is found in eastern Australia. Adult glossy black cockatoos may grow to be 50 cm long. They also have sexual dimorphism.
Glossy Black Cockatoo Colors and Markings
Their main feather color is, as you might expect, black. The female is adorned with golden feathers on her head. The tails of both males and females feature dark orange or red stripes.
Species Overview
- Height: 12.5 Inches
- Weight: 10 – 11 Ounces
- Habitat: Indonesia, Singapore, Tanimbar Islands
Little Corella
The white cockatoo known as the small cockatoo is native to Australia and southern New Guinea. ‘Birdirra’ was the name given to it by the Indigenous Yindjibarndi people of the central and western Pilbara, Australia.
Little Corella Colors and Markings
Corellas are mostly white, with faint pink and orange feathers under their wings and tails. They also have a bigger blue ring around their eyes than other cockatoos with the same trait. Males have a prominent crest on top of their heads.
Species Overview
- Height: 14 – 15 Inches
- Weight: 12 – 18 Ounces
- Habitat: Australia
Major Mitchell's Cockatoo
This bird is native to interior Australia, where they usually nest in pairs. They gather in treeless regions, and forests, and are always found near water. Except for a few outliers, such as galah cockatoos, the couples prefer to stay together.
Major Mitchell's Cockatoo Colors and Markings
The salmon-pink Major Mitchell’s cockatoo is a stunning bird. His crest is multicolored, and when his wings are open, they have bright pink and orange feathers with white tips. Females of the species often have pinkish-red eyes, whilst males have brown eyes. Males are often brighter than their female counterparts.
Species Overview
- Height: 13- 14 Inches
- Weight: 12 – 15 Ounces
- Habitat: Inland Australia
Palm Cockatoo
The Black Palm Cockatoo is native to Queensland, Australia’s northernmost state. Because of their distinct look, these birds are in high demand in the pet trade. Fortunately, they are neither endangered nor threatened.
Black Palm Cockatoo Colors and Markings
Black Palm Cockatoos are generally smoky gray in hue. Some of these cockatoos will be darker in color than others. This black color may be found on their crest, feet, and legs. These birds are mostly dark gray, but they have red spots on their faces.
Species Overview
- Height: 20 Inches
- Weight: 2 – 2.5 Pounds
- Habitat: New Guinea, Indonesia, Northern Australia
Moluccan Cockatoo
The Moluccan Cockatoo is a small to medium-sized parrot native to the Indonesian island of New Guinea. They have a long lifetime, with some living in captivity for up to 60 years. These birds are extremely friendly and like being near humans and other animals.
Moluccan Cockatoo Colors and Markings
The bright salmon-pink crest feathers of Moluccan cockatoos make them identifiable. They also have significantly deeper black and white face stripes than cockatiels do. In males, the remainder of the body is mostly grey, with golden accents on the wings and tail feathers.
Species Overview
- Height: 15.5 – 19.5 Inches
- Weight: 1.5 – 2 Pounds
- Habitat: Indonesia
Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo
The red-tailed black cockatoo is one among several Australian cockatoo species. Because of their remarkable hues, these unique birds are simple to distinguish. Cockatoos are recognized for being friendly, sociable, energetic, and sometimes quite noisy creatures.
Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo Colors and Markings
It has a vivid red tail that contrasts with its entirely black body. Females have yellow dots all over their bodies, as well as yellow-orange coloring under their tails and on their breasts. Their feathers are not always totally black, as in the case of males, but rather a less brilliant shade of dark brown and black.
Species Overview
- Height: 23 Inches
- Weight: 1.5 – 2 Pounds
- Habitat: Northern Australia
Red-Vented Cockatoo
The Red-vented cockatoo is a lovely and popular bird. It has an outgoing attitude and enjoys playing games and interacting with others. The Red-vented cockatoo may be taught to perform stunts such as rolling over, sitting up, shaking hands, and doing the splits.
Red-Vented Cockatoo Colors and Markings
The vivid red feathers on their belly and bottom of their tail, which are bright red with splashes of yellow surrounding them, are the most remarkable and instantly recognized feature.
Species Overview
- Height: 12 Inches
- Weight: 12 Ounces
- Habitat: Philippines
Slender-Billed Corella
The long-billed corella, also known as the long-billed cockatoo or slender-billed corella, is a small corella-like Australian cockatoo.
Slender-Billed Corella Colors and Markings
The slender-billed corella’s feathers are primarily white, with peach or salmon streaks around the throat and beak. In addition, they have a unique brilliant blue ring around their eyes. Their beaks are long, slender, and pointed.
Species Overview
- Height: 14 Inches
- Weight: 1 – 1.5 Pounds
- Habitat: Southeastern Australia
Sulfur-Crested Cockatoo
The Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo is a stunning and well-known Australian parrot. Despite their beauty, they are difficult birds to maintain as pets since they are huge, long-lived, quite loud, and need a significant time commitment.
Sulfur-Crested Cockatoo Colors and Markings
The Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo is a huge white parrot with a dark grey beak, a sulfur-yellow crest, and a little yellow wash behind its wings. Males and females seem identical and are difficult to distinguish, although males have dark brown eyes while females have a little red tinge to their eyes.
Species Overview
- Height: 19 Inches
- Weight: 1.5 – 2 Pounds
- Habitat: Australia, Indonesia
Western Corella
Western corellas resemble tiny and slender-billed corellas. These birds have endured habitat degradation and have been severely hunted during the previous century. Recent measures to prevent the killing and poisoning of western corellas have helped to stabilize the population
Western Corella Colors and Markings
The Western Corella (Cacatua pastinator) is native to Western Australia and is primarily white with occasional pale yellow hues under its wings and tail. Distinguished by its blue-grey eye surrounds and a notably large, downward-curving beak, this medium-sized bird is slightly smaller than the Long-billed Corella but larger than the Little Corella, and it features gray legs and a pale eye ring.
Species Overview
- Height: 17.5 Inches
- Weight: 1.5 – 2 Pounds
- Habitat: Southwestern Australia
White-Crested Cockatoo
The white cockatoo, sometimes known as the umbrella cockatoo, is a medium-sized all-white cockatoo that is confined to Indonesian tropical rainforest islands.
White-Crested Cockatoo Colors and Markings
The white-crested cockatoo has all-white feathers on top and some yellow or pink feathers on the undersides of its wings and tail. they have a big crest on top of their heads that expands like a fan.
Species Overview
- Height: 18 Inches
- Weight: 1.5 Pounds
- Habitat: Northern Indonesia
Yellow-Crested Cockatoo
This sociable and endangered species fly in big groups over wooded regions. This species can be confused with the similarly colored sulfur-crested Cockatoo, even though they have different geographical ranges.
Yellow-Crested Cockatoo Colors and Markings
Lesser sulfur-crested Cockatoos are little white cockatoos with a recurved yellow crest. Their size and the presence of a huge yellow ear patch differentiate them from sulfur-crested Cockatoos. Normally, the underside of the flying feathers is yellow. The highly colored crests and underwing colors are thought to be a form of communication with flock mates. These parrots, like other birds in the same family, have zygodactyl feet that allow them to hop from one tree limb to another.
Species Overview
- Height: 12 – 13 Inches
- Weight: 10 – 13 Ounces
- Habitat: Hong Kong and Singapore
Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoo
The yellow-tailed black cockatoo is a huge bird found mainly in Southeast Australia. As the name suggests, it has a brilliant yellow tail on a black body that can be seen from a long distance.
Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoo Colors and Markings
The body of the yellow-tailed black cockatoo is extremely dark, almost black, with traces of brown throughout. Along with the tail, the cheeks have huge circular areas of yellow, and the breast feathers show mild yellowing around the borders. The male yellow-tailed black cockatoo has a black beak, while the female has a pale grey beak.
Species Overview
- Height: 26 Inches
- Weight: 1.5 – 2 Pounds
- Habitat: Southeastern Australia, Kangaroo Island, Tasmania
Final Thoughts
Cockatoos and their subspecies are all beautiful and unique. Some kinds are enormous, while others are little, but when properly cared for and loved, they all become excellent pets. Unfortunately, many species are endangered due to habitat degradation and over-capture by humans. Hopefully, this will change in the future, and more effort will be made to conserve the populations of these unique birds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which is the best Cockatoo as a pet?
Due to it’s friendly and affectionate nature, the Galah is considered as the best pet Cockatoo
What is the small version of a Cockatoo?
A Cockatiel is the small version of a cockatoo
What is the largest breed of Cockatoo?
The Palm Cockatoo is the largest breed of Cockatoo
What is the rarest color Cockatoo?
Black is the rarest color on a Cockatoo
Alan Winters
Alan is a dedicated bird enthusiast and experienced writer who has been sharing insights on bird care and behavior for several years. With a passion for parrots in particular, Alan has a deep understanding of their unique needs and behavior patterns.
As a trusted authority in the field of bird care, Alan takes pride in sharing accurate and up-to-date information with his readers. Through his writing, he aims to educate and inspire bird owners of all experience levels to provide the best possible care for their feathered friends.
When not writing about birds, Alan can be found volunteering at local bird sanctuaries and rescues, where he enjoys putting his knowledge and experience to use helping birds in need.
