Common Names: White Cockatoo, Umbrella Cockatoo
Scientific Name: Cacatua alba
Family: Cacatuidae
Origin: Endemic to the islands of North Maluku, Indonesia (Halmahera, Bacan, Ternate, Tidore, Kasiruta, and Mandiole Islands)
Conservation Status: Endangered (IUCN) due to habitat loss and illegal pet trade
Size: 18 inches (46 cm) long
Weight: 500–800 g (1.1–1.7 lbs)
Wingspan: About 24–28 inches (60–70 cm)
Lifespan: 40–60 years in the wild; up to 70–80 years in captivity
Plumage:
Entirely white body and wings
Underside of wings and tail feathers have a soft yellow wash
Crest: Large backward-curving crest; when raised, forms a “umbrella” shape (hence the name)
Beak: Large, strong, black-grey in color
Eyes:
Dark brown/black in males
Reddish-brown in females (a subtle difference used for sexing)
Intelligence: Very smart, capable of learning words, tricks, and problem-solving
Personality: Affectionate, cuddly, social, and people-oriented
Vocalization: Loud and piercing calls; can mimic human words but are not the best talkers compared to macaws or African Greys
Social Needs: Extremely high; can become clingy and develop separation anxiety if left alone too long
Activity Level: Very playful and curious; need plenty of interaction and stimulation
Staple: High-quality formulated pellets
Fresh Foods: Leafy greens, carrots, pumpkin, corn, apples, bananas, papaya, mango, berries
Nuts/Seeds: Offered sparingly (almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds)
Avoid: Avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, high-salt or fatty foods
Cage Size: Very large—minimum 40” x 30” x 60” with strong bars (1–1.5” spacing)
Exercise: Needs 3–4 hours out-of-cage daily for flight, climbing, and play
Enrichment:
Chewable wooden toys (powerful beak = heavy chewing)
Foraging puzzles to prevent boredom
Ropes, swings, climbing nets
Grooming: Regular nail trims, bathing or misting, wing clipping optional
Malaysia
