Learn about the

Umbrella Cockatoo

Umbrella Cockatoo

KINGDOM:  Animalia
PHYLUM:  Chordata
CLASS:  Aves
ORDER:  Psittaciformes
FAMILY: Cacatuidae
GENUS: Cacatua
SPECIES: Cacatua alba

POPULATION SIZE:  45,00 to 175,000
LIFE SPAN:  40 YRS
WEIGHT:  500-800 G
LENGTH:  45 CM

Where to find the

Umbrella Cockatoo

The umbrella cockatoo is a native of the Indonesian islands of Northern and Central Moluccas (aka Maluku Islands), specifically, the islands of Bacan, Kasiruta, Halmahera, Tidore, Ternate, and Mandioli. They inhabit wooded areas and are found in open woodland and forests, mangroves, swamps, and agricultural areas. They are especially common around the edges of clearings and rivers. Most of their time is spent in the tree canopy.

How the

Umbrella Cockatoo

lives

Umbrella cockatoos typically occur singly, in pairs or small groups, and sometimes in flocks numbering up to fifteen. They gather in the afternoon in groups of as many as fifty birds. Although these birds are social, aside from mating pairs, they usually do not establish close bonds with each other. They are diurnal birds and are typically sedentary, although some can be nomadic, wandering in search of food. White cockatoos communicate with their mates by means of a variety of noises and gestures. They scratch one another during mating rituals. They have been seen banging pieces of wood on logs and trees to warn other birds that their territory belongs to them. White cockatoos use loud vocalizations, sometimes for communication. They make a loud, grating scream or screech and they may hiss when alarmed.

GROUP NAME:  flock, company, pandemonium

What does the

Umbrella Cockatoo

eat?

Umbrella cockatoos typically eat various nuts, seeds, and fruits, such as durian, papaya, langsat, and rambutan. Also on their diet are skinks, and large insects, such as crickets.

How many

Umbrella Cockatoo

are there?

POPULATION THREATS

The greatest threat to Umbrella cockatoos in the wild is illegal trapping for trading in cage birds. Habitat loss and hunting are further threats.

POPULATION NUMBER

According to the IUCN Red List, the total population size of Umbrella cockatoos is 43,000-183,000 individuals. However, this species’ numbers are decreasing today and it is classified as endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List.

ECOLOGICAL NICHE

Umbrella cockatoos have an important role in dispersing seeds – which is important for the evolution and ecology of plants. Furthermore, their nests may be used by other animals during the non-breeding season.