Citron Cockatoos, aka Citron-crested or Sumba Cockatoos

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The Citron-crested Cockatoo, Cacatua sulphurea citrinocristata, is the smallest of the Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoos subspecies. They are critically endangered in their native range of Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands and Sumba.

Description:

The Citron-crested cockatoo has an orange crest instead of the typical yellow of the other sulphur-crested cockatoo species. They have pale orange ear patches. The underside of the larger wing and tail feathers have a pale yellow color. The beak is dark grey. They have strong feet and claws. The eye color ranges from brown through very dark brown to black.

The citron-crested cockatoo as an endangered species

The citron-crested cockatoos is classified as an endangered species. Its numbers in the wild have declined due to habitat loss and illegal trapping for the cage-bird trade. It is listed in appendex 1 of the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna) list of protected species. CITES protects endangered species like the cockatoo, by making the trade of wild-caught birds illegal. However, trade of the cockatoos bred in captivity is permitted. Each bird bred in captivity is given a CITES certificate to prove that it is not a wild caught bird. The CITES certificate must accompany its sale or resale.

Citron-crested cockatoos as pets

Hand-reared citron-crested cockatoos can make good pets, as they are generally friendly and sociable, and of a curious nature. They do like to chew , but are not as noisy as most cockatoos. In fact, generally they are quiet, but they can make a moderately loud honking/screeching sound. They can also make a repetitive quieter whistling/squeaking noise. They are not good at imitating human speech as some members of the parrot family, having a vocabulary of up to only 15 words or phrases. They readily learn tricks and they can be trained. They often raise the crest feathers in display or when surprised. Their droppings are semi-solid and can be messy.

As with many cockatoo species, Citron-crested Cockatoos taken as pets need much greater care and attention than other companion parrots.

They are not common in pet stores, but are becoming more popular with breeders. Each bird must be sold with an official CITES certificate to prove that it was bred in captivity.

Training and Behavioral Guidance:

Cockatoos certainly demand a lot of attention, but are appreciated for their exceptionally loving, devoted personality that is second to none. Cockatoos require an extremely dedicated owner who is willing to provide significant and meaningful attention to these intelligent parrots. They require consistent training from a young age to ensure potential cockatoo owners enjoy a bird free of destructive and annoying habits. Behavioral challenges that cockatoos present include:

• Excessive Chewing: Any parrot will chew. In nature, they use their beak to "customize" their favorite tree, to enlarge the size of their nest in a tree hollow. Doing this keeps their beaks in good condition. The problem is excessive and undesirable chewing. Undisciplined cockatoos will chew on electric wiring potentially causing house fires. The owner needs to provide plenty of "healthy" chewing opportunities (bird toys, natural wood branches, etc.) and training is necessary to teach a cockatoo what is "off-limits."



• Biting: Cockatoos, as most parrots, are likely to discover their beaks as a method of "disciplining us" once they are out of the "baby stage." It really is important to learn to understand them and to guide their behavior before an undesirable behavior has been established. If this behavior is unchecked, the cockatoo is likely to be dominating the entire family, chasing and attacking their least favorite humans (usually the ones they deem to be a competitor for their human mate's affection). Training is vital to stop this destructive behavior.



• Screaming: Not everybody can tolerate the natural loud call of a cockatoo, and even though it can't (or should not) be entirely eliminated, there are ways to discourage screaming / screeching in your pet cockatoo.
  

Training and behavioral guidance will help your pet be the kind of companion you want it to be ...

• AvianWeb Resources: I put together web resources for you to help you understand your pet bird and properly direct him. Please visit this website for valuable tips on parrot behavior and training. If you found a way to resolve a "parrot behavioral issue" please share it with others.


• If you are, as I am, a visual learner and prefer step-by-step instructions to train your pet, I recommend:
  
  • the Parrot Training Course to teach your parrot to:
    • Stop Biting
    • Perform Tricks &
    • Tame ANY SIZE bird you could possibly own
  • and/or try the "Teach Your Parrot to Talk" Training Course.

If you are considering one of these magnificent parrots as pets, please visit the following websites for information:

• Cockatoo General Information



• Procuring your Parrot
  • Bird Breeder Index


• The 3 Key Elements to Keep Your Pet Bird Happy & Healthy



• Housing Your Bird



• Bird Nutrition



• Parrot Products

Taxonomy:

Genus: English: White Black-billed Cockatoos ... Dutch: Wit & Zwartsnavelkakatoes ... German: Eigentliche Kakadus ... French: Cacatoès

Species: Scientific: Cacatua sulphurea citrinocristata ... English: Citron-crested Cockatoos ...Dutch: Orangekuifkakatoe ... German: Orangehaubenkakadu ...French: Petit Cacatoès à huppe orangée

CITES II - Endangered Species ... Distribution: Sumba

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Related Web Resources: Aves International ... Maggie's Homepage (nice article about an injured cockatoo)

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