Species guide
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo: how to recognise it
A bird seen on most continents. Learn the marks that make it easy to identify, then practise with real photographs in Lore.
Practise with real photosAll species guides
Photo © Peter and Shelly · CC BY-NC · iNaturalist · all photo credits
- Scientific name
- Cacatua galerita
- Family
- Cockatoos
- Size
- About 45–55 cm
- Habitat
- Woodland, farmland, parks and towns
- Found in
- Asia, North America, South America and Oceania
The key marks
A large white parrot with a bright yellow crest that it raises when excited, and a pale yellow wash under the wings.
Voice
A harsh, ear-splitting screech.
Good to know
In some Australian suburbs, cockatoos have learned to lift the lids of wheelie bins to raid the contents, and the habit has spread between neighbourhoods.
Where and when
You can expect to find it in woodland, farmland, parks and towns. It is especially common in Australia. Distribution changes with the seasons and from year to year, so check a recent local observation source before you go looking.