Greater Sulphur Cockatoo

Greater Sulphur Crested Cockatoo
cacatua galerita

Length: 38-51cm/15-20 inches
Weight: 350-500 grams
Life span: 40-60 years
Incubation: 30 days
Age at weaning: 14 weeks
Age at maturity: 3 years
Natural habitat: Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, New Guinea and offshore islands.

The Greater Sulphur Crested Cockatoo is a fairly common bird in lowland forests and savannah country. In Australia they are common inhabitants of forests, open wooland and farmland. They are noisy, conspicuous birds. Usually found in pairs or small family parties during the breeding season, at other times they are found in flocks of several hundred.


Whenever they frequent open countryside they have a sentinel warning system. A few birds remain perched at the top of trees while the flock feeds on the ground below. At the approach of danger the sentinels rise into the air screeching loudly. The rest of the flock are warned and they too rise into the air.

They feed on seeds, fruits, berries, nuts, flower, leaf buds, roots as well as insects and their larvae. They are known as pests in crop-growing areas, although they do eat a considerable amount of weed seeds as well.


They nest in a hollow limb or tree trunk, generally high up and frequently near a water source. The normal clutch is 2 eggs.

The adult Greater Sulphur Crested Cockatoo is mostly white. They have a large forward curving crest which is yellow. Like the Lesser Sulphur Crested they have yellow under their wings and tail, this is easily seen when they are in flight. Their beak is black and their eye rings are white.


Pet potential: Hand raised Cockatoos make exceptionally loving pets. They are both friendly and intelligent, and are very social, affectionate creatures. They are natural chewers, Cockatoos must be provided with branches or strips of wood. Some birds can be very noisy, especially during the early morning and evening hours. Sulphur Crested Cockatoos may be less prone to developing behaviour such as feather plucking and screaming then other popular Cockatoo species. However, these birds have a lot more energy then species such as the Umbrella Cockatoo and need to be kept occupied and stimulated.


Talking ability: Poor-Moderate


Noise level: High


Cage requirements: 3 x 4 x 5 foot


Interesting fact: The Greater Sulphur Crested Cockatoo will mob birds of prey and even throw sticks at them.

Another interesting fact: There are five major types of Sulphur Crested Cockatoo. The Lesser, Citron Crested, Eleonora (or Medium Sulphur Crested), Greater Sulphur Crested and Triton. They all have very similar personalities, though the smaller 3 are known for being a bit more highly strung. What separates them from the other Cockatoo species are their tall, narrow crests which are yellow for them all but the Citron Crested, which is orange.