Citron-crested cockatoo

Citron-crested cockatoo
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Psittaciformes
Family:Cacatuidae
Genus:Cacatua
Species: C. sulphurea
Subspecies: C. s. citrinocristata
Trinomial name
Cacatua sulphurea citrinocristata
Fraser, 1844

The citron-crested cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea citrinocristata) is a medium-sized cockatoo with an orange crest, dark grey beak, pale orange ear patches, and strong feet and claws. The underside of the larger wing and tail feathers have a pale yellow color. The eyelid color is a very light blue. Both sexes are similar. Females have a coppered colored eye where as the male has a very dark black eye.

The smallest of the yellow-crested cockatoo subspecies, it is endemic to Sumba in the Lesser Sumba Islands in Indonesia. The diet consists mainly of seeds, buds, fruits, nuts and herbaceous plants. In captivity though, they may get a hunger for meat and protein. Yes they will eat meat. Beef(steak), chicken, fish and even ham and bacon ... Broccoli, carrots, cauliflower celery, with fruits and a variety diet of mixed seed and protein is what they will eat.

Conservation status

The citron-crested cockatoo is a critically endangered bird whose population has declined due to habitat loss and illegal trapping for the cage-bird trade. A 1993 survey of Sumba estimated the species' numbers at less than 2,000 individuals.[1] As of 2012, there were estimated to be 562.[2] Together with the other subspecies of the yellow-crested cockatoo, it is listed in appendix I of the CITES list.[3] Consequently, international trade is strongly regulated and trade in wild caught citron-crested cockatoos is illegal.

Aviculture

Chick at Děčín Zoo, Czech Republic

Being friendly and sociable, hand-reared citron-crested cockatoos can make good pets but be warned- this is a life-long commitment. Citron Cresteds are not as noisy as most cockatoos, but are curious and will enjoy chewing and try to destroy almost everything. They are generally quiet, but they can make a loud growling sound, and without warning, screech at very high pitches which can be shocking. If a talker, they will practice their vocabulary early in the morning. They often raise the colored crest feathers in display, when surprised, or to show interest or excitement. Their droppings are semi-solid and can be messy but not smelly. As with many cockatoo species, citron-crested cockatoos taken as pets need much greater care and attention than other companion parrots. In personality, they are often more shy or nervous than other cockatoos and should be allowed to adjust to new circumstances gradually in order to become comfortable.

References

  1. ↑ Cahill, A. J.; Walker, J. S. & Marsden, S. J. "Recovery within a population of the Critically Endangered citron-crested cockatoo Cacatua sulphurea citrinocristata in Indonesia after 10 years of international trade control" (PDF).
  2. ↑ International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, Geographic Range http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/full/22684777/0
  3. ↑ CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA, Thirteenth Meeting of the Conferences of the Parties Bangkok, Thailand, 3 to 14 October 2004.
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