Cacatua moluccensis
Other
Names: Salmon Crested Cockatoo
The Moluccan Cockatoo is one of the most striking members of the cockatoo
family, both in appearance and intelligence. They are the largest of the white
cockatoos. The most distinctive features of the Moluccan Cockatoo are its
large size and bright salmon-pink coloration of the head-crest feathers.
The pet appeal of young Moluccan cockatoos is obviously very strong, but anyone
considering bringing such a bird into their lives should be aware that this is
one of the most demanding parrot species that can be kept within the home. The
Moluccan cockatoo has a beak with enormous strength and a constant need for
items to chew. This means that a pet bird will need human presence within the
house throughout the time it is allowed to wander outside of its cage.
Cockatoos are thought destructive because they are prolific chewers. Cockatoos
may be more destructive chewers than many other parrots. They constantly need
new supplies of wood to shred and gnaw. Never let them run out of chewing wood
or Cockatoos will seek their own sources, such as your favorite china cabinet.
For such a large and active bird, it would be unfair to see the birds
confined to a cage for too long. So if the potential owner has a household that
does not have somebody present through the middle of the working day, then
perhaps a less demanding choice of species would be advisable.
· Physical Description
Adult plumage pale salmon-pink; Under feathers of backward-curving crest a deep salmon-pink; undersides of flight feathers washed with pink, Tail feathers with yellow-orange. Naked periophthalmic ring white tinted with blue; Bill gray-black; Iris dark brown; Legs gray.
Size
Measuring up to 52 centimeters (20.8 inches) in length and commonly weighing up to 1000 grams (35 ounces) in body weight.
Ave. Lifespan
Over 60 years
Sexing
The female Moluccan Cockatoo has a dark reddish brown eye, and is usually less pink.
Origin:
The Moluccan Cockatoo is endemic to the Moluccas island group (nowadays renamed the Maluku island group) in Indonesia. It has been recorded from the islands of Ceram, Saparua, Haruku and Ambon. This species is clearly endangered in the wild, with the principle threats against the wild population being habitat disturbance and illegal trade in wild birds.
· Trainability
As one of the most intelligent psittacines kept in captivity, the Moluccan cockatoo has a constant need for mental stimulation. The Moluccan becomes very affectionate after a short time. They are not known to be good talkers. They are extremely intelligent, and learn behaviors, both positive and negative, very easily. To the pet owner, this may be a detriment or an advantage, depending on their understanding of parrots. Cockatoos are not usually the best talkers of the parrot family. Many speak very few words or don't enunciate clearly when they do talk. However, they are thought to be the best parrot for learning tricks. In parrot shows, you will often see a cockatoo performing tricks. It seems to come naturally to them.
· Loudness
In terms of noise, the Moluccan can out-volume and out-yell any other bird. They seem to scream for reason or no reason, whether they are happy or afraid, and even in the middle of the night! Has a very loud call. Voice: a shrill screech and a loud, quavering cry of alarm or threat; also hisses. Cockatoos scream very loudly. Be sure all members of your family are willing to tolerate the twice a day scream of the Cockatoo. They are not considered good apartment birds as their calls carry a long distance and are piercing to the ears of neighbors in nearby apartments
