Umbrella cockatoo comes in the list of family member of Cacatuidae that is one of 21 species. This parrot is well-known cause of its amiable disposition and lively attitude. Although, these birds are native to just a small region, but you can also see them in zoos all over the world.
From this article, our expert will try to explore some interesting facts that you must be aware about umbrella cockatoos; if you want to adopt or buy as a pet.

Let’s get start! Just read it at the end to grab full knowledge about Umbrella cockatoo.
Facts about Umbrella Cockatoo
Common Names | Umbrella cockatoo, white cockatoo, white-crested cockatoo |
Scientific Name | Cacatua alba |
Adult Size | 18 to 24 inches in length |
Life Expectancy | 70 or 80 years or more in captivity with proper care |
What Is About Umbrella Cockatoo?
Australia and parts of Oceania are home to 21 species of cockatoos; and they are also known as crested parrots. Among these is the umbrella cockatoo, which known by different many names:
- Umbrella cockatoo
- White cockatoo
- Great-white cockatoo
- White-crested cockatoo
The umbrella cockatoo is a large and feathered crest; when it’s eager, inquisitive, or alert. The bird fans like an umbrella as raising its crest. The crest often rests flat on the bird’s head. During mating season, umbrella cockatoo also attracts a mate with its huge crest.
Also Read: Can Cockatoos Eat Potatoes? Nutritional Benefits and Risks
The umbrella cockatoo’s body is fully covered with white feathers; but except for the yellow feathers on its tail and underwings. Generally, all cockatoos are primarily white; exception of a few red, black, or yellow marks.
Male umbrella cockatoos often have a slightly larger, curved gray beak. The irises of males and females differ in color, but they both have a light blue eye ring. The irises of males are dark brown; but females are red.
Care & Feeding (Diet)
Ensure, your pet feel comfort with offing your care in given room space. As you know; they are large and energetic birds; so their cage should be spacious and large. The umbrella cockatoo will also like spending time on a perch or artificial branch, or exploring the outside area of cage. Umbrella cockatoo’s diet contains the commercial seed or pellet mixes plus a consistent and diverse supplementation of fresh fruits, and vegetables.
Personality & Behavior
You may discover a great knowledge about your pet cockatoo. It could take some time. Generally, they love and cuddly bird that enjoy playing and being held. Along with, after trust is built; they will form a strong attachment with their owner that will frequently last a lifetime.
A cockatoo can become a friend and companion to a patient and kind owner; if you do accept and used to their noisy, conversational, and frequently eccentric demeanor. Umbrella cockatoos can even outlast their owners; ensure you can provide them with lifelong care; before making the decision to get one.
Speech, Sound and Talking
Generally, cockatoos are poor talkers and sound imitators bird, yet the odd one can mimic human speech. Although they can learn more than fifty words, they will frequently scream instead of speak. When alarmed, they may hiss and make a loud, irritating shriek or scream. Their booming vocalizations can travel great distances that utilized for communication, in the wild.
In captivity, they do frequently shriek loudly to get make attention. Because of this, some don’t like to this bird those who live in apartments or condos. Although you can’t stop these birds from being noisy, you may be able to lessen their yelling if you don’t promote the behavior by getting attention to them.
Health & Common Problems
Like many bird species, generally umbrella cockatoos are good health; still they susceptible to several frequent health problems. Umbrella cockatoo has the ability to pick or pull out its feathers; if it is not provided adequate mental stimulation.
Also Read: Can Cockatoos Eat Grapes? What You Need to Know

Other than, this bird is susceptible to typical parrot diseases and disorders such as fatty liver disease and psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD). This parrot may also gain weight as feeding a fatty diet.
It is difficult get to know about umbrella cockatoo is sick or not. Although, there might be a problem if your bird withdraws and stops eating. Anytime if you suspect about your pet bird is ill, then quickly get in touch with your veterinarian.
Umbrella Cockatoo Lifespan Expectancy
When you give the proper care to your umbrella cockatoos with their loving and playful nature; then they can live a remarkable 40 to 80 years. Cause of its extraordinary longevity, adopting an umbrella cockatoo is a lifelong commitment than many other pets. These birds are lifelong companions who need constant care, devotion, and attention throughout of their years.
Umbrella Cockatoo Size and Weight
Umbrella cockatoos are a giant parrot that can get reach heights of 17 to 18 inches and weights of 1 to 2.5 pounds. Their wingspan is estimated to be about 22 inches during flight.
They are huge and elegant parrots that are thought smaller than their cousins, the Moluccan cockatoo. These birds’ height can be approximately 18 to 20 inches.
The white cockatoo has a big advantage of its size; in the wild. This additional element of intimidation let makes them less vulnerable to predators.
Their enormous wingspan also makes it easy for them to fly great distances in searching foods and reach big trees.
Umbrella Cockatoos Pros and Cons
While adopting the umbrella cockatoos, you can get many positive and negative concerns.
Pros of Umbrella Cockatoos
- Social and affectionate
- Most Intelligent
- Easily train to do tricks and play
Cons of Umbrella Cockatoos
- Making more noise with loud
- Dependent on owners
- Require more space
Reproduction and Breeding
The process of breeding umbrella cockatoos is intricate; knowledgeable and close attention to the needs of the birds.
Umbrella Cockatoo Breeders
Umbrella cockatoo breeders are able to raising these intelligent and affectionate parrots. For this, you always choose ethical breeders who follow legal and welfare guidelines. Keep away from online scams; and visit in person, verify licenses, and check for CITES compliance. Adoption from rescues is also recommendable for responsible and compassionate bird ownership.
Facts About Breeding
Umbrella cockatoos lay two eggs in a clutch.
Their eggs can be incubated for around 28 days.
Give the breeding pair a peaceful and isolated area to feel safe.
These babies have to need more attention and nourishment; because they are born underdeveloped.
They have to need large, safe nesting space and are fed all foods as balanced to maintain the health of the parent birds.
Always keep a close eye on the chicks to get healthy growth and avoid behavioral problems.
Until the chicks are self-sufficient, they need constant care for several months.
Cost of Umbrella Cockatoo Ownership
The initial purchase price of owning an umbrella cockatoo can varies between $500 and $1,200; but depend their age and breeder repute. This is just the beginning, because their health depends on recurring costs like foods, includes pellets, fruits, veggies, and occasionally nuts.
Also Read: Can Cockatoos Eat Meat? Role of Meat in Their Diet
Along with, cockatoos are highly bright and disliking to boredom; so you will need to purchase toys to keep them mentally engaged. Vaccinations, parasite control, and routine veterinarian treatment are all essential to preserving their health.
The cost of owning an umbrella cockatoo is a long-term financial commitment that includes regular expenses for entertainment, food, and medical care. So, these parameters help to keep your bird happy and healthy for its entire life.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can Umbrella Cockatoos Talk?
Umbrella cockatoos are not known for their capacity to speak. But, you may be able to teach them specific words.
Are Umbrella Cockatoos Good for New Pet Owners
This statement can confuse about this . Umbrella Cockatoos are perfect for seasoned bird owners who can offer daily interaction, stimulation, and appropriate care. This is because; they have to need high emotional, loud vocalizations, and social demands.
Is It Necessary to Train Umbrella Cockatoos?
Here, our answer will be ‘YES’. Frequent training does focus on positive reinforcement that is crucial. Thus, it not just improves your relationship but also deters unwanted habits.
Final Thoughts: Umbrella Cockatoos
As result of this post; umbrella Cockatoos are excellent companions with big personalities that make great pets. So, skilled bird owner can easily manage this parrot; it is not easy to each one. Cause of friendly and humorous bird; the umbrella cockatoo is a big attention-getter.
Also Read: Do Cockatoos Talk? Talking Abilities of Cockatoos
As shown above that umbrella cockatoo is noisy and talkative parrot that enjoys cuddling with the person it wants to be with. This bird feels as affectionate and gregarious that becomes quite unhappy, if it keep alone. You must give these bird lots of care, exercise, and cerebral stimulation; if you want to be a successful owner.
Do you have any experience, tips, tricks, or query regarding on this? You can drop a comment!
Have a Nice Day!!