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Solomons cockatoo, orDucorp's cockatoo, orSolomons corella, orBroad-crested corella(Cacatua ducorpsii, orPlyctolophus ducrops)
Phylum —chordata
Class — aves
Order — psittaciformes
Family — cacatuidae
Genus – cacatua
Appearance
The Solomons cockatoo is about 30 cm (12 in) long. They are predominantly white. They have a blue eye ring and a recumbent crest which resembles a sail in its raised state.
Habitat
These peculiar birds are endemic almost exclusively to the Solomon Islands.
Behavior
Solomons cockatoos live in grasslands, lowland rainforests, and open fields. Their screech is loud and sounds similar to the Little corella. They travel in large flocks and can be quite bold.
Diet
These birds eat seeds and nuts. They will also feed on crops in fields making them a pest to farmers. In urban areas they’re known for feeding in parks and gardens.
Reproduction
The Solomons cockatoo nests in tree cavities. The eggs are white and there are usually two in a clutch. The eggs are incubated for about 25 days and the chicks leave the nest about 62 days after hatching. Wild birds typically breed from July–September.
In captivity
Ducorp's cockatoos can probably live up to 50 years, judging by the life span of similar species.
The Solomon cockatoo is not as outgoing as most cockatoos. It is wary and shy so is not as common a pet as other species of cockatoos. They are highly intelligent and easy to train. They can be taught to say a few words and do tricks.
If you do choose to have one as a pet it’s important to handle them often when they’re young and expose them to many different situations. These include having them around other people and regular trips to the vet. But do not overwhelm them with too many people or too much noise at one time.
They need to have time to fly outside of their cage each day. If possible, providing an outside cage, as well as indoor, is optimal so your bird can enjoy sun and fresh air.They are considered adept escape artists so make sure the cage you place them in is secure. Never place the cage near windows or doors where the bird will feel drafts. Do not place the bird in the kitchen since some smells, such as the fumes from teflon pans, are toxic to many cockatoos and parrots.
Like other cockatoos, these birds will notice and pick up any small items left lying around. This can be toxic to your bird. Make sure to keep the rooms where your bird flies cleared of small items such as screws, small toys, and jewelry.
Your Solomon’s cockatoo will need a diet that includes 50% pellets and 50% fresh fruits and vegetables. If there is usually food left over start feeding your bird less at one time. Over feeding will result in your bird slinging the extra food around and making an even bigger mess than normal.Never feed your cockatoo chocolate or avocado which are both toxic to many birds.
