Peaches (Cockatoo)
Cacatua moluccensis
Cockatoos are in the parrot family Psittacidae. Cockatoos are characterized by a stunning
crest on the top of their head. All
cockatoos are native to Australia and the surrounding South Pacific
Islands. They are very active and intelligent
requiring a great deal of attention.
They are long-lived; some can live to be over a hundred. They are avid chewers capable of splintering
wood in a few minutes. Cockatoos have a
peculiar feather structure which constantly produces a powdery talc material
that acts as a cleansing agent and gives the birds a chalky appearance. They are known for their powerful voice and
noisy chorus most mornings and late afternoons.
They are viewed as a nuisance by farmers because they are capable of a
great deal of crop damage. Their numbers
in the wild are also declining because of the pet industry.
Peaches is a Moluccan or
Salmon Crested Cockatoo. She was caught
in the wild and then quarantined for over a year before being offered for
sale. The dealer was unable to sell her because
she was in such bad shape. She was
donated to Critter Creek Wildlife Station over 25 years ago. She still does some feather over-preening,
but she has become less stressed by her surroundings over time.