The Umbrella Cockatoo (Cacatua alba), also known as the White Cockatoo, is a large, affectionate parrot named for its distinctive, umbrella-like white crest that fans out when excited or curious. Native to the islands of Indonesia, Umbrella Cockatoos are beloved for their cuddly nature, intelligence, and playful personalities.
Umbrella Cockatoo Characteristics
Size: 18 inches (46 cm) in length.
Weight: 500–700 grams.
Lifespan: 50–70+ years with proper care.
Color: All-white plumage with a slight yellow tint under the wings and tail, dark grey beak, and expressive crest.
Temperament: Extremely affectionate, intelligent, and social.
Umbrella Cockatoo Pictures
Personality and Behavior
Umbrella Cockatoos are known as “velcro birds” due to their intense desire for physical affection and companionship. They thrive on cuddling, social interaction, and learning tricks, forming strong bonds with their owners.
However, Umbrella Cockatoos are loud and can scream, making them unsuitable for noise-restricted environments. They are prone to separation anxiety and feather plucking if deprived of daily attention and mental stimulation.
Diet and Feeding
A balanced, varied diet is crucial for an Umbrella Cockatoo’s health:
Pellets: Form the staple of their diet.
Fresh vegetables: Kale, collard greens, bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, squash, sweet potatoes.
Fruits (moderation): Apples, berries, melon, mango.
Nuts: For healthy fats and enrichment, but in moderation.
Fresh, clean water daily.
Avoid avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and salty or sugary foods.
Care Requirements
- Cage size: Large cage at least 36” x 24” x 48” with sturdy bars; larger aviaries are ideal.
- Exercise: At least 4 hours of supervised out-of-cage activity daily.
- Enrichment: Chewable toys, ropes, foraging activities, puzzle feeders, and daily training sessions.
- Social needs: Daily attention and bonding are critical to avoid behavioral issues.
- Hygiene: Regular cage cleaning and opportunities for misting or bathing.
- Veterinary care: Annual avian vet visits for wellness checks.
Common Health Problems
Umbrella Cockatoos can develop:
- Feather plucking: Due to stress, loneliness, or boredom.
- Obesity: If diet is not managed properly.
- Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD): A serious viral condition requiring monitoring.
- Respiratory infections: From poor ventilation or dusty conditions.
Monitoring for changes in appetite, droppings, behavior, and feather condition is essential for early intervention.
Price and Where to Buy
- Price range: $2,000–$4,000 USD depending on age, breeder, and region.
- Where to buy:
- Reputable breeders specializing in hand-raised cockatoos.
- Avian specialty stores with transparent health records.
- Parrot rescues and adoption organizations (often available due to rehoming needs).
Umbrella Cockatoos require a lifelong commitment and a structured daily routine.
Are Umbrella Cockatoos Good Pets?
Umbrella Cockatoos can be excellent companions for experienced bird owners ready to provide daily attention, enrichment, and training.
They are affectionate, intelligent, and social, thriving on close interaction with their owners.
However, they require time, patience, tolerance for noise, and space to maintain their mental and physical health.
Conservation Note
Although not critically endangered, Umbrella Cockatoos face pressures from habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade. Always purchase from ethical, captive-bred sources or consider adopting to support responsible ownership and conservation.