The Goffin’s Cockatoo (Cacatua goffiniana), also known as the Tanimbar Corella, is the smallest of the white cockatoos, known for its playful personality, high intelligence, and affectionate nature. Native to the Tanimbar Islands in Indonesia, Goffin’s Cockatoos are admired for their curiosity, problem-solving skills, and ability to bond closely with owners.
Goffin’s Cockatoo Characteristics
Size: 12 inches (30 cm) in length.
Weight: 250–350 grams.
Lifespan: 40–60+ years with proper care.
Color: White plumage with a slight salmon-pink wash around the face and under the wings.
Temperament: Intelligent, playful, affectionate, and active.
Goffin’s Cockatoo Pictures
Personality and Behavior
Goffin’s Cockatoos are active, curious, and highly social parrots, requiring daily mental stimulation and interaction. They are expert escape artists and puzzle solvers, needing plenty of enrichment to stay mentally healthy.
They are affectionate but less clingy than larger cockatoos, making them a good option for those seeking a smaller companion parrot with a playful nature.
While not as loud as larger cockatoos, Goffin’s Cockatoos can still be vocal, especially during morning and evening hours.
Diet and Feeding
A balanced, varied diet is essential for Goffin’s Cockatoos:
Pellets: Should form the core of their diet.
Fresh vegetables: Leafy greens, carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, squash.
Fruits (in moderation): Apples, berries, mango, melon.
Nuts and seeds: For healthy fats and enrichment, provided sparingly.
Fresh, clean water daily.
Avoid avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and salty/sugary foods.
Care Requirements
- Cage size: Spacious cage, minimum 24” x 24” x 36” with sturdy bar spacing.
- Exercise: At least 3–4 hours of out-of-cage time daily for exercise and mental enrichment.
- Enrichment: Foraging toys, ropes, puzzle feeders, safe chew toys, and daily training.
- Social needs: Daily interaction with owners to prevent loneliness and behavioral issues.
- Hygiene: Regular cage cleaning and opportunities for bathing or misting.
- Veterinary care: Annual avian vet check-ups for wellness monitoring.
Common Health Problems
Goffin’s Cockatoos can develop:
- Feather plucking: Often linked to boredom or stress.
- Obesity: From a high-fat diet without adequate exercise.
- Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD): Requires monitoring.
- Respiratory issues: Due to dusty conditions or poor ventilation.
Monitor for changes in feather condition, appetite, droppings, and behavior, and consult an avian vet when needed.
Price and Where to Buy
- Price range: $1,500–$3,000 USD depending on age, breeder, and region.
- Where to buy:
- Ethical breeders specializing in hand-raised cockatoos.
- Avian specialty stores with health guarantees.
- Parrot rescues and adoption centers.
Owning a Goffin’s Cockatoo is a lifelong commitment requiring daily interaction and mental stimulation.
Are Goffin’s Cockatoos Good Pets?
Goffin’s Cockatoos can be wonderful pets for experienced bird owners looking for a smaller cockatoo with high intelligence and a playful nature.
They are affectionate and thrive on interaction and learning.
However, they require time, patience, and enrichment to prevent behavioral challenges.
Conservation Note
While not critically endangered, Goffin’s Cockatoos face pressures from illegal trapping and habitat loss. Always purchase from ethical, captive-bred sources or consider adopting to support responsible parrot ownership.