10 Top Pet Cockatoo Species

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The bare-eyed cockatoo might not be the prettiest parrot, but it makes up for it in personality. Sweet, playful, and intelligent, these birds are smaller than many cockatoo species. This makes them a good option for families with children and those who lack the space to accommodate a large parrot.

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Bare-Eyed Cockatoo

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Black palm cockatoos are large, powerful birds that require a caretaker with ample parrot experience. While hand-fed black palm cockatoos can make excellent pets, they still require firm training to keep them tame.

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Black Palm Cockatoo

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Citron Cockatoo

Citron cockatoos are quieter than most cockatoo species. However, they have big personalities and love to play and interact with their caretakers. Inquisitive and affectionate, a citron cockatoo will want to be by your side all day long. So be prepared to spend several hours per day with this bird.

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Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo

Sulphur-crested cockatoos are highly intelligent and need plenty of space to play. Unless these birds are given adequate exercise and mental stimulation, they might resort to behaviors, such as feather picking and destructive chewing. Caretakers must provide their birds with plenty of toys and several hours of attention each day.

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Goffin's Cockatoo

Goffin's cockatoos require as much daily socialization as possible for their emotional health. These birds simply cannot thrive if they are neglected and will resort to destructive behaviors if their social needs aren't met. Because they are intelligent and slightly mischievous, these birds are recommended for people who have experience with large parrots.

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The Major Mitchell's cockatoo is an attractive and intelligent bird that is known for its colorful crest. While they are a sight to see, these cockatoos need specialized care and large enclosures that not all people can accommodate. They also are recommended for those who are familiar with large parrots.

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Major Mitchell's Cockatoo

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Moluccan cockatoos are affectionate birds that bond strongly with their caretakers. Those interested in a Moluccan cockatoo should expect a cuddly and somewhat clingy feathered friend, as these birds like to stay close to their favorite humans.

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Moluccan Cockatoo

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Their striking pink and gray feathers and friendly personalities have made rose-breasted cockatoos popular pets. These birds can live up to 80 years in captivity with proper care. Also known as galahs, they tend to be loud and bold, so don't expect a quiet companion if you bring one home.

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Rose-Breasted Cockatoo

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Hand-fed umbrella cockatoos can be friendly, well-behaved pets. Many learn to do tricks and can mimic speech quite well. But as highly social birds, they tend to be very affectionate and even borderline obsessive about spending time with their favorite people.

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Umbrella Cockatoo

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Slender-billed cockatoos, also known as long-billed corellas, long have been popular pets in their native Australia and are beginning to attract fans around the world. The needs of this cockatoo are similar to those of other large parrots. They crave interaction with their caretakers and require daily handling to maintain their emotional health.

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Slender-Billed Cockatoo

Top Lesser-Known Pet Bird Species

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