deep pink below. Low whitish crest, eyes dark brown, pale beak, grey legs.

Rare mutation results in absence of melanin from plumage, causing grey

areas to be white and feet to be pink. Female's eyes red.

Rose Breasted Cockatoo is found in Australia and Tasmania.

Savannah, open country, eucalyptus woodland, dry interior plains, farmland,

park-lands and gardens; always inland, follows civilization. In pairs

during breeding season, other times in groups. Nests in vertical tree

hollows, as well as holes in cliffs. Pairs bond for life and defend nest

against intruders. Newly fledged birds gather in treetop nurseries of

up to 100 birds, awaiting their parents and the delivery of food. Young

spend their first two or three years among large wandering flocks of non-breeding

birds. The species has benefited from European settlement, increasing

its range and numbers in response to forest clearance and crop planting.

Considered a pest by cereal growers.

Rose Breasted Cockatoo eats parrot mix, cereal seeds, fruit, greenstuff,

sunflower seeds, oats, wheat, millet, grass seeds and insects.

For best breeding, moisten nest boxes regularly. Avoid diet based on sunflower

and other oily seeds, which can lead to fatty tumours.

The Rose Breasted Cockatoo is gentle, playful, intelligent and a good

talker with loud voice. Compatible with other large species in aviary,

or large metal cage with unheated sheltered area. Leaves and twigs carried

into nest box, 20 X 20 X 40 inches (51 X 52 X 102cm), entrance 3^!/2

inches (9cm). Lays 3 to 5 white eggs, incubation 24 to 26 days by both

partners, fledging 50 days, still fed and preened another 4 to 5 weeks.

Two broods per season common.