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Rose Breasted Cockatoo |
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Bird Breeds:
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DESCRIPTION
13'/2 to 15 inches (35 to 38cm), most common cockatoo. Grey above,
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.
NATURAL DISTRIBUTION
Rose Breasted Cockatoo is found in Australia and Tasmania.
HABITAT
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.
DIET
Rose Breasted Cockatoo eats parrot mix, cereal seeds, fruit, greenstuff,
sunflower seeds, oats, wheat, millet, grass seeds and insects.
SPECIAL NEEDS
For best breeding, moisten nest boxes regularly. Avoid diet based on sunflower
and other oily seeds, which can lead to fatty tumours.
CAGE LIFE
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.
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