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Moluccan Cockatoo
Scientific Name: Cacatua moluccensis
The common names for this bird are
Moluccan or Salmon Crested Cockatoo, the latter due to the color of their crest
resembling the color of the fish.
Their body length averages 20-22
inches or 50 centimeters and their average body weight is about 850 grams. These
birds can live up to 90 years of age.
If hand raised, these birds
exhibit a deep affection for humans and the need to be cuddled with. Most people
don't realize however, the amount of attention a captive bird requires and the
fact that this is one of the loudest parrots in the world. The amount of time
this bird needs for attention and the fact that this birds vocal expression can
be quite overwhelming does not make this bird suited for people with a busy
lifestyle or if you like it quiet. In addition, these birds are prone to
plucking and self-mutilation and do not always adapt well to life in captivity.
After about 2 years, a Moluccan cockatoo can completely change behavior when
reaching sexual maturity and become impossible to handle. This is why many of
these beautiful birds end up in rescue facilities such as ours.
In the wild...
These Cockatoos are found only on
the Moluccan Islands of Indonesia and their diet consists of seeds, nuts,
fruits, berries and insects and their larvae. They can be
found in the wild alone or in a small group of birds very early or later in the
day. They are ranked among the most intelligent of birds and their behavior in
the wild is quite opposite of their captive counterparts, they are shy, aloof
and cautious.
Threats
This bird is highly endangered in
the wild and on the endangered species list. Habitat destruction and illegal
logging have sharply reduced the number of wild birds, they are on the brink of
extinction. Natives are trapping and selling the birds to feed their
families. During and once captured, many birds suffer horrendous torturous
conditions and many die before reaching their final destination.
MEET OUR COCKATOO
PEACHES
Peaches is
a Moluccan cockatoo who was rescued from a neglectful situation by a woman
in Florida. Unable to resolve some of his behavioral issues, (resulting
from a combination of prior neglect and simply being one of the loudest
birds in the world), she searched for a sanctuary that could provide him
with lifetime care. We have helped him overcome much of his trouble with
aggression by simply providing him with another cockatoo for companionship
and lots of gentile handling. Combined with plenty of space to exercise and
environmental enrichment consisting of a variety of toys and healthy treats,
he is a very happy bird.
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