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[[image: gsc-cockatoo.jpg ]]

'''Common Name:''' Greater Sulfur Crested Cockatoo<br>
'''Scientific Name:''' Cacatua galerita

'''Size:''' 17.5-19.5 inches (45-50 cm)

'''Habitat:''' Australasia; range extends throughout the northern and eastern mainland, and Tasmania. A small population has become established around Perth, Western Australia. The species also occurs in New Guinea and the Aru Islands, and has been introduced into New Zealand and Indonesia. Found in a variety of timbered habitats and are common around human settlements. The birds stay in the same area all year round.

'''Status:''' Least concern. '''Global Population:''' Unknown. The popularity of the Sulfur-crested Cockatoo as a cage bird has increased its range, as these birds either escape or are released deliberately in areas where they do not already occur. The species has become a pest around urban areas, where it uses its powerful bill to destroy timber decking and paneling on houses.  Sulfur-crested Cockatoos are poisoned as a crop pest. .

'''Diet:''' Seeds, buds, fruits, nuts and herbaceous plants

'''Breeding:''' Cockatoo become sexually mature after two to four years. The female lays two to three eggs in a tree hole. Both parents incubate the eggs for about 27 days.

'''Cool Facts:'''  Cockatoo eat clay in the morning to detoxify any dangerous food they might eat. Sulfur-crested cockatoos are popular pets, however they may no longer be imported into the United States as a result of the Wild Bird Conservation Act. They are now bred in captivity. The potential owner should be aware of the bird's needs, as well as how loud these birds can be and their natural desire to chew. 

A sulfur-crested by the name of "Cocky" Bennett lived to the age of 120 years in Sydney. 

There are two other yellow-crested Cockatoos in the world; the lesser Sulfur-crested Cockatoo and the lesser Citron-crested Cockatoo. Both are found in Indonesian and wild populations are critically endangered. 



'''Found in [http://hivewire3d.com/songbird-remix-australia-v3.html Songbird ReMix Australia Volume III]'''