Latin name: Cacatua sulphurea sulphurea

 

Species regularly bred in captivity yet still imported since quite some time.

 

Listed in Annex I of the Washington Convention.

 

As with nearly all cockatoos, the "Sulphur-crested" has a powerful screech.

 

Height: 30-35 cm

Weight: approximately 400 g

Colour: Nearly pure white with a yellow crest.  

 

Feathers beneath the wings are partially yellow.

Black, short and powerful beak.

Grey feet.

 

Among adults: dark black iris in the male, reddish-brown in the female.

 

Depending on the subspecies, the cheeks may have a yellowish stain.

 

Among the six subspecies of cockatoo sulphurea which are differentiated by their height and the colouration of their crest and cheeks, the cockatoo sulphurea sulphurea commonly called the small sulphur-crested cockatoo is undoubtedly the most well-known.

 

They live in solid couples or in small groups. Observing them is difficult because they perch high in tall tropical trees entwined with epiphytic vines. Their cries help locate them.

 

Despite strong breeding numbers in captivity, the small sulphur-crested cockatoo is still snatched from the wild in large numbers for trafficking and international trade.

 

Locals often adopt them as pets and one can even see a fisherman in his boat with a cockatoo by his side.

 

As a pet, the sulphur-crested cockatoo requires considerable attention because it develops a strong attachment to its owner. Jealous and possessive, it will sometimes bite.

 

The erect crest is a typical characteristic of the cockatoo.

 

The crest will stand at attention depending on the circumstances: fear, surprise, etc.

 

The sulphur-crested cockatoo lives mainly in the Celebes and Butung islands.

 

It lives mostly along the coast (on the edge of the tropical forest) and rarely ventures deep into the forest of these different islands.

 

Even if these cockatoos currently seem to be in sufficient numbers, the species in threatened by heavy trade and deforestation due to rampant local demographics that force a gradual occupation of the islands (construction, extensive agriculture, livestock).

The map below is currently available only in French. An English version will soon be made available.