Moluccan Cockatoo

Cacatua Moluccensis

Other Interesting Species:
Ketitir
Mandarin Duck
Molluccan Cockatoo
Peregrine Falcon

 The Moluccan Cockatoo, Cacatua moluccensis also known as Salmon-crested Cockatoo is a cockatoo endemic to south Moluccas in eastern Indonesia. At 50 cm, it is the largest of the white cockatoos. The female is larger than the males on average. It has white-pink feathers with a definite peachy glow, a slight yellow on the underwing and underside of the tail feathers and a large retractable recumbent crest which it raises when threatened to frighten potential attackers (may also be raised in excitement, or other 'emotional' displays). It also has an extremely loud voice and in captivity is a capable mimic.

In Malaysia there are few people that keep the Moluccan cockatoo. Since this bird is listed in totally protected bird in Malaysia wildlife protected Act 1972 (Act 76), only someone with special permit can keep them. However, there are few people that keep the bird even before the bird is listed as totally protected therefore they can continue to keep it even after it have move the status.

There are some breeder that I know of that breed Moluccan cockatoo in Malaysia, however, it is not in very large quantity, I heard that most of it is for export only as it is difficult to sell in Malaysia.

If you want to discuss about Moluccan cockatoo, feel free to do so in Malaysia Bird Forum

In the wild the Moluccan Cockatoo inhabits lowland forests below 1000m. The diet consists mainly of seeds, nuts and fruit, as well as coconuts

The Moluccan Cockatoo is an endangered species, and has been listed on appendix I of CITES since 1989, which makes trade in wild-caught birds illegal. Trade in captive bred birds is legal only with appropriate CITES certification. Numbers have declined due to illegal trapping for the cage-bird trade and habitat loss. During the height of the trapping of this species over 6,000 birds were being removed from the wild per year. It has a stronghold in Manusela National Park on Seram, although even today some illegal trapping continues.

The Moluccan Cockatoo can no longer be imported into the United States because of its being listed on the Wild Bird Conservation Act. However they are being bred in captivity. The potential owner should be aware of the bird's needs, and know how loud these birds can be. The Moluccan Cockatoo is often considered to be "one of the most mentally and emotionally complicated parrots to deal with" and can develop severe health, behavior and psychological problems if not provided with sufficient attention, interaction and entertainment by its owner.

* Source: Wikipedia