The sulphur-crested cockatoo is a large, white cockatoo with a bright yellow crest. Loud, clever and sociable, it is a familiar sight in Australian cities and forests.
Interesting facts
- Its bright yellow crest can be raised when the bird is excited or alarmed.
- Its screech is one of the loudest sounds in the Australian bush.
- While a flock feeds, some birds act as sentinels and call out warnings.
- Cockatoos in Sydney have also learned to turn on drinking fountains.
- They chew wood to keep their beaks in shape, sometimes damaging buildings.
- Some captive cockatoos have lived for more than 80 years.
Behaviour
Sulphur-crested cockatoos live in noisy flocks that roost together and fly out to feed each day. They are playful and inventive problem solvers.
Breeding and young
Pairs nest in tree hollows, laying two or three eggs, which both parents incubate.
Threats and conservation
The species is common, although it depends on large, old trees with hollows for nesting.
Where to see it
- Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney
- Blue Mountains, New South Wales
- Canberra’s parks and suburbs
- Kennett River on the Great Ocean Road, Victoria
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
