Introduction
The Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, one of Australia’s most recognisable birds, is known for its striking snow-white feathers and pale-yellow crests. These large cockatoos have dark grey-black bills, a characteristic sulphur-yellow crest, and a yellow wash on the underside of their wings. Flocks of hundreds can be a spectacular sight from a distance, though their calls are deafening up close. As gregarious birds, they often forage and roost together, with some acting as lookouts from nearby trees. Their short, rounded tails contain a small yellow patch behind the eye, adding to their distinctive appearance.
Breeding
The breeding season for Sulphur-crested Cockatoos varies by location: August to January in the south and May to September in the north. Males court females by strutting with raised crests and flicking their heads while chuckling. They nest in tree hollows or trunks, occasionally in cliff holes. Both parents shape the nest, incubate the eggs, and care for the chicks. Families stay together year-round, and the chicks remain with their parents indefinitely.
Behaviour
Sulphur-crested Cockatoos are social birds that often forage and roost in flocks. In urban areas, they can be destructive, using their strong bills to damage timber and other structures, and chew branches to wear down their beaks. In the south, they form large flocks that roost in forests and feed on the ground during the day. Northern populations tend to be more arboreal, living in small flocks or family units.