What kind of bird is the Great Cockatoo? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. The Great Cockatoo is a parrot found only in Indonesia. It can sing and is a very intelligent animal species. It is a tame bird, highly intelligent, and can speak simple words, so it is also famous as a pet.
What is a Cockatoo? Basic Stats
The Moluccan cockatoo is a bird classified in the Psittacidae family. It is also known as the Moluccan cockatoo, Salmon-crested cockatoo, and its scientific name is Cacatua moluccensis. Its Chinese characters are 大芭旦. Its total length is 40-50cm, and its weight is 750-900g. The list of information is as follows.
| Japanese（和名） | オオバタン |
| English（英名） | Moluccan cockatoo Salmon-crested cockatoo |
| scientific name(学名) | Cacatua moluccensis |
| classification（分類） | Aves、 Psittaciformes、 Psittacidae 鳥綱、オウム目、インコ科 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | VULNERABLE |
| Length（体長） | 40-50cm |
| Weight（体重） | 750～900g |
Taxonomic position (taxonomy)
| 階級 | 分類 |
|---|---|
| ドメイン | 真核生物 (Eukaryota) |
| 界 | 動物界 (Animalia) |
| 門 | 脊索動物門 (Chordata) |
| 綱 | 鳥綱 (Aves) |
| 目 | インコ目 (Psittaciformes) |
| 科 | オウム科 (Cacatuidae) |
| 属 | オオバタン属 (Lophochroa) |
| 種 | Lophochroa leadbeateri |
Habitat
The cockatoo is an endemic species found only in Indonesia, on the islands of Ambon and Seram.
- Geographic Distribution
Endemic to the Australian continent, found only in the Australian continent
Distributed mainly in arid to semi-arid inland areas
South Australia, southwestern Queensland, western New South Wales, etc.
Rarely found in coastal humid areas or tropical rainforests
- Habitat
Dry forests and scrublands (Eucalyptus and Acacia forests)
Open grasslands and shrublands
Prefers to be near water sources (rivers and puddles)
Often builds nests in tree cavities (caves) or among branches
Characteristics
Like other cockatoos, it can perch in trees
Prefers open areas because it requires a wide flying range
- Migration and Seasonal Variation
Does not migrate completely, but does migrate seasonally
Moves to areas with water sources or food sources during droughts or food shortages
Migration distances are limited to a few tens of kilometers, with long-distance migrations rare
- Relationship with the Environment
Securing water and food (seeds, fruits, and insects) is important.
Human activities such as deforestation and agricultural development are reducing habitat.
The decline in large trees suitable for nesting impacts reproduction.
What are its characteristics? What does it look like?
The Great Cockatoo has a white or pale pink body, a large, hook-shaped, blackish beak, and a crest that extends backwards. When excited, the feathers on the top of its head are ruffled, making the red part clearly visible. Great Cockatoos live in forest areas from flatlands to hills and low mountainous areas, and form pairs or families. They do not form large flocks.
- Physical Characteristics
Body Color
Overall pale pink (body and chest)
The underside of the wings is white, creating a beautiful contrast in flight.
Tail feathers are pale pink to white.
Head
Vivid bicolor crest: red and yellow.
The crest is usually flat, but it spreads out when excited or courting.
White around the eyes, pale gray beak.
Body Size
Body Length: Approximately 35-40 cm
Weight: Approximately 300-400 g
Medium-sized among cockatoos.
Legs and Beak
Strong legs make it an excellent tree climber.
Hard beak, allowing it to crack seeds and nuts.
- Behavioral Characteristics
Flight and Walking
Capable of long-distance flight over open terrain
Can perch on tree branches and rarely walk on the ground
Diet
Omnivorous
Plants: Seeds, fruits, nuts
Animals: Insects and other small invertebrates
Eats food by searching for and cracking it open with their beaks
Social
Live in pairs or small flocks
Calls are high-pitched, resonating with a “squeak, squeak” sound
They spread their crest feathers as a courtship display or threatening tactic
- Reproduction and Biology
Nests are built in tree hollows
Egg Laying: 2-3 eggs per clutch
Chicks are raised by both parents
Young birds have a paler pink color and a smaller crest
As they grow, their crest feathers become more vibrant
What is its ecology?
Great Cockatoos eat nuts, seeds, and fruits, but also eat insects. They are oviparous, living alone or in pairs during the breeding season and laying 1-3 eggs at a time. The incubation period is 28-30 days, and they reach sexual maturity at 4-5 years of age. They live for 60-70 years.
- Habitat
Live primarily in dry forests, open grasslands, and shrublands.
Prefers to be near water sources (rivers, swamps, natural puddles).
Uses large tree cavities for nesting, so the presence of large or old trees is important.
Avoids dense forests, as they need the ability to fly in open spaces.
- Diet
Omnivorous
Plants: Seeds, nuts, fruits, tree buds
Families: Insects and small invertebrates
Forages for food on the ground or in trees.
During droughts and dry seasons, relies on juicy fruits and plants.
- Behavior
Flight/Migration
Non-migratory, but travels short distances when food and water sources are scarce.
Specializes in gliding and short-distance flight over open areas.
Sociality
Primarily lives in pairs or small flocks.
During breeding season, pairs guard their nests and may leave the flock.
Identifies each other by vocalizations, and spreads their crests as a threat or courtship display.
- Breeding and Chick-raising
Nests are built in tree hollows.
Egg laying: 2-3 eggs per clutch.
Both parents take turns raising the chicks.
Young birds initially lack a fully developed crest, which develops red and yellow feathers as they mature.
Breeding Season
Breeding occurs primarily from the end of the dry season to the beginning of the rainy season.
During the rainy season, food becomes more abundant, resulting in a high rate of successful chick-raising.
Do they have any natural enemies?
Humans are the natural enemies of the Great Cockatoo.
About Leadbeater Cockatoo Chicks
Let’s take a closer look at the chicks (young birds) of the Leadbeater Cockatoo (Lophochroa leadbeateri).
- Egg Laying and Hatching
Egg Size: 2-3 eggs per nest
Nest Location: Primarily tree cavities (holes in large trees)
Egg Size: Approximately 3-4 cm, white
Incubation Time: Approximately 25-28 days
- Chick Appearance
Feathers are soft, pale gray to pale pink overall
The crest is not yet fully developed and is not noticeable during courtship or threats
Feet and beak are small and incapable of flight
As they grow, their body color deepens in pink, and the crest develops red and yellow
- Chick Behavior
Spend time in the nest with their parents
Both parents feed and protect the nest
They begin to venture outside the nest at 2-3 weeks of age
At first, they are unable to descend to the ground or branches and remain safely within the nest
- Growth and Flight Ability
Flight training begins at around 6-8 weeks of age.
First flights are possible at around 2 months of age.
As they mature, their crest develops and their body color turns a vibrant pink.
At first, young birds depend on their parents, but gradually learn to forage for food on their own.
- Key Points for Survival
They rely on building nests in tree cavities, and securing a nest is crucial to their survival.
Young birds are vulnerable to birds of prey and snakes, so parental protection is essential.
Survival rates decrease during droughts and food shortages.
Are Great-breasted Cockatoos an endangered species?
Great-breasted Cockatoos are designated as an endangered species (Red List). They are also listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and international trade is strictly restricted. Their population is declining because they are considered pests that feed on coconuts, and are exterminated. Their population has been declining due to illegal capture and habitat loss, and they used to live on Sabalua Island and Halk Island, but are probably extinct in these areas.
- IUCN Red List Classification
The Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo is classified as “Least Concern (LC).”
This means that it is not currently considered an endangered species.
- Population and Distribution Status
Populations are estimated to be relatively stable.
Distribution is limited to dry forests, shrublands, and grasslands in inland Australia.
Due to its small habitat, there is a risk of localized population decline.
- Threats
Impacts from human activities are present.
Habitat loss due to agricultural development.
Decrease in nesting sites due to tree felling.
Capture and pet trade (wild collection) are restricted, but have had some impact.
However, the population has not declined as rapidly as other cockatoos (e.g., the northern cockatoo and the black cockatoo).
- Conservation Status
Capture and trade are restricted in Australia by conservation laws.
Breeding programs exist in zoos and conservation facilities.
Maintaining the habitat is important for future stability.
Can Great-breasted Cockatoos be kept as pets?
Great-breasted Cockatoos are designated as an endangered species, and it would be difficult for ordinary people to keep them as pets.
- Current Status
There are examples of captivity in zoos and bird sanctuaries around the world.
While they are sometimes kept as pets,
private captivity is highly specialized and difficult to manage.
Breeding programs are conducted as part of conservation efforts.
- Legal Restrictions
Endemic to Australia, collection of wild specimens is generally prohibited.
International trade is regulated under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Import and export require a permit.
Even in Japan, as a rare bird, permission from the prefecture or the Ministry of the Environment is required.
- Conditions for Captivity
Cage/Space
A large cage or outdoor facility is required for flight.
Providing trees and perches to climb reduces stress.
A natural environment such as grass or soil is preferable.
Diet
Omnivorous and requires a balanced diet.
Seeds, nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
Occasionally, insects and other animal products are also provided.
Sociality
Pairs or small groups are preferred.
Single captivity can easily cause stress and may result in behavioral abnormalities.
- Breeding
Breeding is possible in tree cavities or artificial nest boxes.
Egg laying: 2-3 eggs per clutch
Since both parents raise their chicks, breeding requires keeping them in pairs.
- Difficulty of Raising
While they can be kept as medium-sized cockatoos, they are not suitable for beginners.
Feeding, nest building, socialization, and health management are important.
With proper care, they can live long lives, sometimes reaching over 50 years.
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