The Yellow-crested Cockatoo has white plumage with a yellow crest that curves forward. The unde-sides of the wings and tail are yellow. They have a black bill and gray feet. The only way to differentiate between the sexes is by the color of the iris. Males have a black iris while females have a reddish-brown iris. Both sexes have bluish skin around the eyes. The young of the species looks like the adult but has a gray iris and patchy yellow down. Very affectionate to owners and normally shies away from strangers. They have an amiable temperament and make ideal pets. This species feeds on seeds, berries, fruits, nuts and flowers. They Behavior Lesser-Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Lesser-Sulphur-crested Cockatoo also feed on grains like maize and rice, and on green plant material. They develop a strong bond with their mating partner but details of the breeding habits haven’t been studied so far. They build their nests in the hollow of trees and sometimes in the hollow of cliffs. Up to three eggs are laid, which take 27 days to hatch. The Yellow-crested Cockatoo is listed as critically endangered in the IUCN Red List 2002 and also in Appendix I of the C.I.T.E.S. Their population is estimated to be between 2500 and 9999. The factors for the decline of the Yellow-crested Cockatoos are pet trade and habitat loss. These birds are now fully protected by Indonesian law and international trade is controlled by C.I.T.E.S. A Recovery Plan was initiated in 1998 in some areas and this continues today focusing on trade control, conservation of habitat, establishment of Reproduction Conservation Status breeding in captivity thereby preventing the entrapment of wild birds, research into ecology and population dynamics and the creation of awareness campaigns. Lesser-Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Subspecies The Little Corella has two subspecies. Although more or less similar physically, both subspecies are larger in size. The Longbilled Corella measures between 14 and 16 inches (38 - 41 cm), has an orange-scarlet band across its throat and its upper bill is longer than the lower bill. The Western Corella is between 14 and 16 inches (38 - 42 cm) in length and has a white crest that is larger than the Little Corella and the Long-billed Corella. Like the Longbilled Corella, its upper bill is longer than the lower one but the bill isn't as long as the former's. ubfamily: SScientific Name: Body Length: Cacatuinae Cacatua sanguinea Approximately between 13 and 15 inches (35 - 39 cm) From 0.18 to 0.22 pounds (80 - 100 gm) Weight: Lifespan: 20 years and more Little Corella Cockatoo Distribution Habitat Physical Description Little Corellas are found all over Australia but there are a number of regions within the island where you won’t find them in their natural habitat. The Little Corella lives in flocks of up to several thousand birds that could include Galahs. The bird generally roosts in trees overnight, and flies off to feed in the early morning with an almost deafening screeching. They live close to sources of water. Little Corellas are white with a pale rose-pink patch between the eye and bill. They have a fleshy blue ring around their eyes. Under their wings and tail they have a bright sulphur-yellow wash. You cannot distinguish between the sexes, as they are similar in plumage. The young birds also look like adults but can be distinguished, as they are smaller in Little Corella Cockatoo size. |