Moluccan Cockatoo
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 Moluccan Cockatoo
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| Cacatua moluccensis (Gmelin, 1788) |
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, revealing hitherto concealed bright red-orange plumes to frighten potential attackers (may also be raised in excitement, or other 'emotional' displays). It also has one of the louder calls in the parrot world and in captivity is a capable mimic.
In the wild the Moluccan Cockatoo inhabits lowland forests below 1000m. The diet consists mainly of seeds, nuts and fruit, as well as coconuts.
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[edit] Endangered status in the wild
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.
[edit] Aviculture
The Moluccan Cockatoo can no longer be imported into the United States because of it is listed on the Wild Bird Conservation Act. However they are being bred in captivity. Potential owners should be fully aware of the husbandry requirements of the species. It is generally accepted that the Moluccan as with many "white cockatoos" can develop health and behavioral problems if not provided with the appropriate environment, attention, and enrichment opportunities.
[edit] Gallery
 Moluccan Cockatoo displaying (wings clipped) |
 Moluccan Cockatoo displaying |
 Pet Moluccan Cockatoo |
[edit] References
- BirdLife International (2004). Cacatua moluccensis. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is vulnerable
[edit] External links
- ARKive - images and movies of the Salmon-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis)
- BirdLife Species Factsheet
- IUCN Red List
- Red Data Book
- Moluccan Cockatoo photo on Pc-Zoo
- Project Bird Watch & eco-tourism development in Indonesiion Islands
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