The citron-crested cockatoo also known as Cacatua sulphurea citrinocristata is a world famous very beautiful and rare parrot. They have white feathers, light peach-colored cheeks and a bright yellow-orange crest on their head. The specialty of them is their smart, friendly and loving behavior.
As per they usually seen and lives in a small part of Indonesia. But, they are endangered that meaning there are not many left. Due to this, it aware the people how important it is to protect wildlife and nature.
Let’s get starting!
Citron Crested Cockatoo – Overview
| Common name | Citron-crested cockatoo |
| Scientific name | Cacatua sulphurea citrinocristata |
| Color of feathers | White, yellow under wings |
| Color of crest | Bright orange |
| Body size | 34 cm |
| Sex differences | Male has black eyes, female as brown eyes |
| Tame | Easily |
| Cage or aviary | Preferably aviary |
| Usual cost | Expensive |
Citron Crested Cockatoo Origin & History
The citron cockatoo originally comes from Lesser Sunda Island and Sumba of Indonesia. They also called the Sumba cockatoo. They live in tropical forests especially near the edges of forests.
Sadly, it is true that this bird is endangered. As you know that many forests are being destroyed and some people catch them illegally to sell as a pet.
Citron Crested Cockatoo Appearance
As researched report, we can say that citron cockatoo is in smaller and less noisy as compares the sulphur-crested cockatoo. It is easy to recognize by its bright orange crest instead of a yellow one.
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They look very attractive so they get a lot of attention. Mostly the people who have time to care for it they often choose it as a pet.
As per the records a citron cockatoo can grow about to 50 cm long and weigh up to 450 grams.
Citron Crested Cockatoo Behavior
Citron cockatoos are not too much noisy like many other cockatoo species. Still they have strong personalities. They do enjoy playing and spending time with their owners. As per the research in a new home first time they can be a little shy and keep in distant. They slowly become comfortable with patience and gentle care.
When they get settling hat like to stay closed to their favorite person as much as possible as they are very curious and loving. Citron cockatoos are best for owners who have plenty of free time to give daily attention because they form deep bonds. They need more human interaction than most parrots like all cockatoos.
These birds are very smart and can learn to talk, dance and wave. Even they can play simple games like fetch, making them fun. They are engaging companions for dedicated bird lovers.
Citron Crested Cockatoo Colors & Markings
Citron cockatoos are mostly white birds. They have light orange patches on their cheeks. The underside of their wings and tail is pale yellow.
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They have a bright orange crest that makes them different from other similar cockatoos.
Their feet are dark gray and their beaks are grayish-black.
Male and female birds look almost the same but adult males have black eyes, while adult females have brown eyes.
Citron-Crested Cockatoo Speech & Vocalizations
We cannot expect more from the Citron-Crested Cockatoo as it is also a parrot. If they get training that can learn a few words or short phrases. Although talking is not its strongest skill like many other parrots.
These birds are generally very calm than other cockatoos. They can growl or sometimes shriek. When they feel bored they make loud sounds usually happen, lonely or if not getting enough attention then they get interaction from their owners.
Citron-Crested Cockatoo Care & Feeding
In the forests Citron cockatoos eat a wide variety of foods like as fruits, seeds, insects and nectar. Usually, they are seen getting feed in coconut plantations. They may damage crops because of habitat loss. That forces them to look for food in human areas.
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It is very important for pet citron cockatoos to have a healthy and balanced diet. For cockatoos you can start with a good-quality commercial seed mix. As we see they are large and strong birds. They also need enough protein.
They have to get the fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Even also get the foods like cooked rice and small pieces of cooked chicken. These birds do enjoy many foods as they are not picky eaters.
Still citron cockatoos can easily become overweight so owners should be careful not to overfeed.
Health and Common Conditions
You can see these parrots are strong and tough easily by their size. If a Citron cockatoos get proper care and a healthy environment can live for more than 50 years. Then cay can be long-term companions and loyal friends. They can adapt well in most normal places.
Obesity and feather plucking are two common health issues. If you are a owner you should watch for it. In case a cockatoo feels lonely, ignored or stressed it may start pulling out its feathers.
That’s why you have to be ready to keep your bird happy and healthy by giving them a plenty of time, attention care and social interaction.
Citron Crested Cockatoo Male or Female
Male and female citron-crested cockatoos normally look same. It makes hard to tell them apart just by looking. You can easily recognize them with looking their eyes. This is because; the adult male’s eyes are dark brown or black.
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But, adult female’s eyes are reddish-brown or reddish-orange. Females are a little small with a narrower head but it’s hard to notice. You need to do a DNA test to know their gender as baby cockatoos of both sexes have dark eyes.
It is also difficult to tell how they act or sound if they are male or female.
Citron Crested Cockatoo Breeders
There are some legal breeders of Citron-crested cockatoos because they are very rare and critically endangered. Reputable breeders have to prove that the birds bred in captivity and not taken from the forest with the CITES documentation.
There are some breeders like BT Aviary in Europe, hand-raise these birds and certain exotic bird farms such as Troy Kelso Farms offer vet-checked citrons for sale.
Before buying one it is important to ensure always to check the breeder’s credentials and the bird’s health records that it’s safe and legal.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Are Citron Cockatoos rare?
At present they left fewer than 2,000 in the forest as they are very rare and critically endangered.
Are Citron Cockatoos Good Pets?
There is no doubt that Citron cockatoos are loving pets. But they need a lot of attention, space and experienced care. So they aren’t suitable for most people.
How Long Does a Citron-Crested Cockatoo Live?
As good pet owner, you can extend their lifespan about 40-60 years with offering better care and healthy diet.
Are Citron Cockatoos Endangered?
Yes! It is true without any doubt citron-crested cockatoos are highly in endanger because of habitat loss and illegal trapping.
As it is recorded that very few are left in the wild, so conservation is extremely important for their survival.
What is difference in between citron cockatoo vs sulphur crested cockatoo?
Citron cockatoos are small in size having soft orange-yellow crests and peach-colored cheeks. While Sulphur-crested cockatoos are big in size and have bright yellow crests.
Citron cockatoos get reporting as endangered. You can find them only in Indonesia while sulphur-crested cockatoos that found easily in Australia and not endangered.
Final Words
This bird is an amazing gentle, smart and beautiful. But it is sad that this bird is highly endangered and left very few in the wild. Their habitat loss and illegal trade is the reason of their extinction and making conservation urgent.
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Teamwork has to need saving these birds between the governments, conservation groups, local communities and people everywhere. We also can protect their forests and by educating the people.
Along with, we can help by promoting responsible tourism and follow the wildlife rules. We should ensure that these incredible birds could live in the forests of Indonesia for many generations.
As we know about Citron-crested cockatoo is one of both risk and hope. It is clear that with awareness, care and action people can help protect some of the planet’s most fragile and valuable species.
Do you have any experience, tips, tricks, or query regarding this issue? You can drop a comment Facebook, Instagram or just here!
Have a Nice Day!
