19 Types of Cockatoos: Every Species From Sulphur-Crested to Cockatiel
October 11, 2026
Cockatoos are not one bird with different paint jobs. Some scream loud enough to rattle windows, some are so quiet they barely register at the other end of a room, and one species drums on hollow logs with a tool it carved itself. Understanding the different types of cockatoos matters before you fall for a fluffy white crest at a bird show or pet store, because the wrong match can mean a surrendered bird within a year.
In June 2025, the world’s three competing bird checklists merged into a single unified standard called AviList, and under that taxonomy the family Cacatuidae contains 22 species across seven genera, ranging from the palm cockatoo that manufactures its own drumsticks to the Goffin’s cockatoo known for carrying tools. This guide walks through 19 of the most notable species, covering identification, temperament, and what daily life with each one actually looks like.
Before diving into individual species, it helps to know that there are 21 species of cockatoos that belong to the family Cacatuidae, with native ranges spanning Australia, Australasia, Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, and New Guinea. None of them qualify as low-maintenance bird species in the way a finch or budgie does, but some come far closer than others to the “easy care pet bird” ideal many first-time owners are searching for.
| Cockatoo Type | Approximate Size | Noise Level | Beginner Friendliness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cockatiel | Small (12-13 in) | Low to moderate | Best for beginners |
| Goffin’s Cockatoo | Small (12 in) | Moderate | Moderate experience needed |
| Rose-breasted (Galah) | Medium (14 in) | Low to moderate | Good for committed beginners |
| Umbrella Cockatoo | Large (18 in) | High | Experienced owners only |
| Moluccan Cockatoo | Very large (20 in) | Very high | Experienced owners only |
Pro Tip: If you are hunting for pet birds that don’t need much attention, a cockatoo is almost never the right answer. Nearly every species on this list is a “velcro bird” that bonds hard to its person and struggles when left alone for long stretches.
1. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
The sulphur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita) is one of the most recognizable cockatoos, admired for its striking white feathers and flamboyant yellow crest, and is native to Australia and nearby regions where it is a highly social and intelligent bird often seen in large, noisy flocks. According to Kaytee, this is likely the species most people picture when they think of cockatoos, sporting a bright yellow crest against mostly white body feathers.
These cockatoos are highly social, forming noisy flocks that can number in the hundreds, and are known for their loud, screeching calls and playful antics, often interacting with humans and sometimes learning simple tricks. If you already enjoy other loud, sociable species covered in our roundup of yellow-colored birds, the sulphur-crested’s personality will feel familiar, just amplified several times over.
2. Umbrella Cockatoo
The umbrella cockatoo (Cacatua alba) gets its name from the way its crest fans forward into an umbrella shape when raised. Per VCA Animal Hospitals, the umbrella cockatoo is an all-white, medium to large-sized cockatoo known as the “Velcro-Bird” because it likes to be held and caressed by its owner, and it tends to be less high-strung than other cockatoos. Kaytee notes that these birds are identifiable by their pure white crest, black beaks, and mostly white body feathers.
That affectionate reputation comes with a catch: umbrellas need a genuinely large enclosure, since housing “for large species like the Moluccan and Umbrella cockatoo needs cages being 30 to 36 inches in depth, 48 inches in width, and 72 inches in height,” according to the Singing Wings Aviary guide.
3. Goffin’s Cockatoo
The Goffin’s cockatoo (Cacatua goffiniana) is one of the smallest members of the family, and among the more energetic ones. VCA groups it with the species that are “generally high-strung and very active,” noting that smaller-sized cockatoos including the Goffin’s, the lesser sulfur-crested, and the citron-crested are generally high-strung and very active.
Housing needs stay modest compared to the giants of the family: small-sized birds like the bare-eyed or Goffin’s cockatoo need a cage with a depth of 24 to 26 inches, width of 36 to 38 inches, and height of 60 to 62 inches. Goffin’s cockatoos are frequently cited by researchers for problem-solving behavior, which makes daily foraging puzzles a near-requirement rather than an optional extra.
4. Moluccan Cockatoo
Also called the salmon-crested cockatoo, the Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) is one of the largest and loudest white cockatoos kept as a pet. Kaytee describes it as having soft salmon-white colored bodies topped with bright salmon-colored crests, and it is one of the four species that commonly become pets, alongside the umbrella cockatoo, sulfur-crested cockatoo, and rose-breasted cockatoo, per veterinarians interviewed by Kaytee.
Moluccans are also prone to a serious behavioral issue: Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital notes that feather picking is another common concern with umbrellas and Moluccans again being the primary offenders. This species is rarely, if ever, a fit for a first-time bird owner.
5. Palm Cockatoo (Black Palm Cockatoo)
The palm cockatoo, or black palm cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus), stands apart from every other species on this list. Wikipedia describes it as a large, smoky-grey/black cockatoo, also known as the goliath cockatoo or great black cockatoo, currently listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN.
Its most distinctive feature is a bare, brightly colored facial patch. Bush Heritage Australia explains that several species have brightly colored areas around their eyes and face called periophthalmic rings, and the large red patch on the palm cockatoo is the most obvious example. That patch is also functional: it flushes color to reflect the bird’s mood, and males use hollow logs and self-made sticks as drumming tools during courtship display, a behavior unique to this species among all parrots.
6. Little Corella (Bare-eyed Cockatoo)
The little corella, sometimes called the bare-eyed cockatoo (Cacatua sanguinea), is one of four corella-type species that Bush Heritage groups together, listing the sulphur-crested cockatoo, little corella, long-billed corella, and western corella as close relatives sharing similar ground-feeding habits. Unlike the big showy crests of its cousins, the little corella has only a small, low crest and pale bluish skin rings around its eyes.
These birds are strong ground foragers. Bush Heritage notes that galahs, corellas, and some of the black cockatoos mostly feed on the ground, and ground feeders tend to forage in larger flocks. In captivity, that ground-foraging drive translates into a bird that wants floor time and digging opportunities, not just a perch.
7. Rose-breasted Cockatoo (Galah)
The rose-breasted cockatoo, universally known in Australia as the Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla), is one of the gentler species on this list. Kaytee sums up the look simply: these cockatoos have a pinkish-white crest, pink chests, and gray on their backs and wings. VCA adds that rose-breasted cockatoos, called galahs in their native land, are medium-sized cockatoos and are very sweet for the most part, with a light pink chest and a soft voice.
That “soft voice” reputation makes the galah a realistic answer for buyers searching for the best beginner birds among cockatoos, though it still needs the same daily interaction any parrot demands. One caution worth flagging: rose-breasted cockatoos are another species that frequently mutilate their feathers, according to Chicago Exotics, so enrichment and stress management matter even with this calmer species.
8. Baudin’s Black Cockatoo
Baudin’s black cockatoo, also called the long-billed black cockatoo (Zanda baudinii), is known for its distinctive full body of dark feathers, mostly black or very dark brown with edges tipped in grey or white, plus a distinctive white patch on the side of its head, according to PangoVet. This species is easy to confuse with Carnaby’s black cockatoo at a glance, and the bill length is the most reliable field mark separating the two.
The conservation picture is serious. The Australian Conservation Foundation lists Baudin’s cockatoo with a declining population and an endangered status under the IUCN Red List, with a vulnerable listing in Western Australia. PangoVet estimates only about 10,000 to 15,000 of these birds remain in the wild, making this species one to admire from conservation photos rather than one to seek out as a pet.
9. Blue-Eyed Cockatoo
The blue-eyed cockatoo (Cacatua ophthalmica) is named for exactly what you would expect. PangoVet explains that the blue-eyed cockatoo is named for the bright blue ring around its eyes, a feature shared in a milder form with a few other corella-type relatives. It is a rarely kept species outside specialist collections, native to New Britain in Papua New Guinea.
Like many white cockatoos, males of this species can pick up a small vocabulary. PangoVet notes that males might even learn to speak a few words, though speech is never a guarantee with any cockatoo species. Fans of striking eye markings might also enjoy browsing our guide to blue-hued birds for more species where color plays a starring role.
10. Yellow-Crested Cockatoo (Lesser Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo)
The yellow-crested cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea), also called the lesser sulphur-crested cockatoo, looks like a smaller, more compact version of its famous cousin, with a shorter yellow crest and a noticeably smaller body. VCA places it among the smaller-sized cockatoos that are generally high-strung and very active, a temperament note that surprises people expecting a “mini” version to be an easier bird.
This is one of the species the pet trade has hit hardest. Wild Birds USA points out that older guides on cockatoo numbers are out of date, and this species is closer to extinction than most people realize. Anyone considering this bird should look exclusively at reputable, captive-bred sources and never wild-caught stock.
11. Eleonora Cockatoo (Medium Sulphur Crested Cockatoo)
The Eleonora cockatoo is a subspecies of the sulphur-crested cockatoo, sitting in size between the full sulphur-crested and the smaller corellas, which is why it is often marketed as the “medium sulphur-crested cockatoo.” Housing sits in that same middle ground: Singing Wings Aviary notes that medium-sized varieties, including the Eleanor and citron cockatoo, require housing with a depth of 29 inches, width of 46 inches, and height of 72 inches.
Because it shares most behavioral traits with the larger sulphur-crested, prospective owners should expect the same loud, attention-demanding personality, just delivered from a body that takes up slightly less floor space.
12. Red-tailed Black Cockatoo
The red-tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii) is the most widespread of Australia’s black cockatoos and, unlike most of its relatives on this list, is not currently at risk. Wikipedia lists its conservation status as Least Concern under IUCN 3.1, and notes that adult males have a characteristic pair of bright red panels on the tail that gives the species its name, and it is more common in the drier parts of the continent, with five recognized subspecies differing chiefly in beak size.
Females and juveniles look completely different from adult males, showing barred yellow-orange tail panels instead of solid red, which often confuses new birdwatchers into thinking they have found two species. Readers curious about other striking dark-plumaged species can also check our guide to black bird species for comparison.
13. Cockatiel
The cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) is the smallest member of the cockatoo family and by far the most commonly kept. Wikipedia notes it is native to Australia and the sole member of the genus Nymphicus, with an estimated 4.8 million US households keeping one, making it one of the five most popular pet bird species in the country.
Cockatiels are the clearest answer to anyone genuinely searching for simple bird care for beginners within this family, though “simple” is relative. PetMD notes that cockatoos in general number over 20 species, each with their own behaviors and personalities, and in the wild will forage in flocks as large as 100 birds. Wikipedia also warns that insufficient knowledge of their care contributes to one of the highest surrender rates among pet bird species, so “easy” should never be confused with “no effort.”
Pro Tip: If you are new to parrots altogether, start with a cockatiel before considering any of the larger white cockatoos. The learning curve on social needs, screaming, and feather care is far gentler.
14. Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo (Pink Cockatoo)
Major Mitchell’s cockatoo, also known as the pink cockatoo (Lophochroa leadbeateri), is often considered one of the most beautiful cockatoo species, with a striking mix of pink and white feathers and a vibrant crest that make it a favorite among bird enthusiasts, according to Petdemy. Unlike the flat crests of most white cockatoos, this species has a fan-shaped crest banded in red, yellow, and white that opens into a dramatic display.
Major Mitchell’s cockatoos are native to inland Australia, inhabiting semi-arid woodlands, scrublands, and riverine forests, preferring areas with eucalyptus trees for nesting; they are more solitary than other species, often seen in pairs or small groups, and feed on seeds, nuts, berries, and roots by foraging mostly on the ground. That solitary streak carries over into captivity, where these birds often bond intensely to one person rather than a whole household.
15. Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo
Carnaby’s black cockatoo, also known as the short-billed black cockatoo (Zanda latirostris), is endemic to southwest Australia. Wikipedia lists its conservation status as Endangered under IUCN 3.1, endemic to southwest Australia and described in 1948 by naturalist Ivan Carnaby, measuring 53 to 58 centimeters (21 to 23 inches) in length with a short crest on top of its head.
Bush Heritage confirms the severity of the decline, noting that the two white-tailed cockatoo species listed as endangered, Carnaby’s cockatoo and Baudin’s black cockatoo, both have limited ranges in the southwest corner of Western Australia and are affected by habitat loss. Conservation groups have responded with habitat corridor projects specifically planting food-source vegetation for this species, another reminder that black cockatoo species in general are not candidates for casual pet ownership.
16. Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo
The yellow-tailed black cockatoo (Zanda funerea) is one of the larger black cockatoos, native to southeast Australia and measuring 55 to 65 centimeters (22 to 26 inches) in length, with a short crest on top of its head, per Wikipedia. Its plumage is mostly brownish black with prominent yellow cheek patches and a yellow tail band.
BirdLife Australia adds a useful sexing tip: the female has a larger yellow cheek patch, a pale grey eye-ring compared to pink in males, a white upper bill versus grey-black in males, and black marks in the yellow tail panels. Unlike Carnaby’s and Baudin’s, this species is currently listed as Least Concern, though state-level populations vary in security.
17. Glossy Black Cockatoo
The glossy black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) is the smallest member of the subfamily Calyptorhynchinae and is found in eastern Australia, with adults reaching about 50 centimeters (19.5 inches) in length. WWF Australia confirms it is the smallest of five black cockatoo species found in Australia, though its bright plumage makes it hard to miss.
This species has a specialized diet that makes it an ecological indicator species. WWF notes that as seed-eaters, glossies act as forest gardeners, occasionally pruning branches while eating seeds from cones, and that the population sits at fewer than 8,000 birds overall, split between vulnerable and endangered listings depending on subspecies. Bird lovers interested in more dark-feathered species can browse our roundup of black birds for additional comparisons.
18. Citron Cockatoo
The citron cockatoo (Cacatua citrinocristata) is a close relative of the sulphur-crested and yellow-crested cockatoos, distinguished mainly by its orange-tinged crest rather than pure yellow. VCA groups it among the smaller, more high-strung species, noting that smaller-sized cockatoos including the Goffin’s, the lesser sulfur-crested, and the citron-crested are generally high-strung and very active.
Housing needs land in the medium bracket alongside the Eleonora cockatoo, since medium-sized varieties, including the Eleanor and citron cockatoo, require housing with a depth of 29 inches, width of 46 inches, and height of 72 inches, per Singing Wings Aviary. Like its yellow-crested relative, wild populations have declined sharply due to trapping, so captive-bred sourcing matters here as well.
19. Long-billed Corella
The long-billed corella (Cacatua tenuirostris) is named for the single feature that separates it from other corella-type species: an elongated upper bill built for digging. Bush Heritage explains that western and long-billed corellas have longer bills to dig out tubers and roots, a foraging adaptation that shows up in captivity as an intense drive to chew and excavate anything within reach.
According to Cockatoo Info, corellas as a group sit apart from the larger white Cacatua species on the family tree, with two groups of Cacatua species: the bigger species and the smaller corellas forming distinct branches. That digging instinct means a long-billed corella owner needs a rotating supply of dig-friendly substrate and chew material, not just the standard toy basket.
Choosing among these 19 types of cockatoos comes down to being honest about noise tolerance, daily time available, and how long you can realistically commit. Lafeber puts it plainly: pet cockatoos are often referred to as “velcro” birds because of their highly sociable nature and borderline obsessive need to be around the people in their lives, making a cockatoo a loving but demanding companion. PetMD adds that a typical bird costs anywhere from $600 to $1,500, with rarer types climbing into the thousands, and that lifespan alone, 20 to 40 years in the wild and up to 70 years or more as pets, should factor into any adoption decision as heavily as color or crest shape.