Latest studies have shown that there are around 50,000 -200,000 Umbrella Cockatoos in the world. The survival of this species is Conservation Status Umbrella Cockatoo still considered vulnerable due to illegal trappings for pet trade and killing for meat. Umbrella Cockatoo Moluccan Cockatoo Distribution Habitat This species of Cockatoo is found predominantly in the South Moluccan islands including Caram and Amboina. The species is also found in the Phillipines and Indonesian islands. The larger flocks are found in undisturbed rainforest areas. Large numbers of them are also found in forests with large trees and in riverine forests. Their numbers are rapidly declining because of indiscriminate trade and habitat reduction. The species has been included in the C.I.T.E.S. Appendix in 1989. cientific Name: SLength of Body: Wingspan: Weight: Lifespan: Other Common Names: Cacatua moluccensis 17 - 20 inches (40 - 50 cm) 23 - 30 inches (58 - 66 cm) 1.5 - 1.8 pound (700 - 850 gm) 60 - 65 years Salmon-Crested Cockatoo Moluccan Cockatoo Physical Description Behavior This species is one of the largest of the Cockatoo family. Birds are pink to salmon pink with an attractive crest of orange. The color of the crest often varies. Their feathers seem to have a permanent ruffled look. The birds have large head and beak. The beak is blakish-gray and the head has a distinctive shape. Flight feathers have a tinge of yellow on the inner webs. Greater under-wing coverts are salmon or orange pink. The under-tail is yellow with pink on the inner webs. The eye-ring is bluish-white. The iris of the male is black, while the iris of the female is dark brown. Their legs are gray in color. These birds are aggressive chewers and need a steady stock of toys that they can shred into toothpicks. These birds require a great deal of attention. As these birds grow older, the amount of attention they require increases. And if this level of attention is not given, they can become very noisy and aggressive. This aggression often takes the form of self-mutilation. This Moluccan Cockatoo rather large cockatoo is not for people who cannot give them the time and attention they need. They make wonderful pets because they are normally very intelligent, friendly and affectionate. They are quite adept at talking and performing several tricks. They are rather noisy, especially early in the morning and late afternoon while flock-calling. Their cries are said to be so loud that they can be heard a mile away. This is definitely not a bird that one should raise in an apartment block. An indoor cage of 2.25 feet (0.7 m) x 2.25 feet (0.7 m) x 3.25 feet (1 m) is the minimum. But if you have the space and the budget a bigger cage is better. The cage should have horizontal Pet Quality Voice Housing: Caging Moluccan Cockatoo bars for the bird to climb. The wire mesh being used should be sufficiently strong, as the Moluccan is a strong biter and can snap even welded joints. For added security, have a cage door that can be locked with a suitable pad lock. Provide perches at different heights inside the cage. The perch can be 1 - 2 inches (2.5 - 5 cm) depending on the size of the bird. Also, keep a couple of fruit tree branches of different widths for the bird to climb on using its nails and beak, and help it keep both its nails and beaks trim. The indoor cage must be kept at eye level, in an area of the house that is frequented by its occupants. Moluccans need to communicate with their human flock frequently. At least they need to know that they are not alone. An outdoor flight cage of 6 feet (1.8 m) x 6 feet (1.8 m) x 10 feet (3 m) for a smaller bird is adequate. Bigger birds will require a bigger cage naturally. Some breeders recommend a flight aviary of 40 feet (12 m) length x 8 feet (2.4 m) height x 6 feet (1.8 m) width. The flight cage should have an attached breeding aviary. The aviary should Moluccan Cockatoo be sheltered and temperature controllable. |