Cockatoo

(picture source:  Wikipedia)

Cockatoos are crested birds from rainforests, dry regions, and fields of Indonesia and Australia.  There are many different species of cockatoos.  Cockatoos are long-lived birds.  Many species of cockatoo are endangered because of loss of habitat, being shot as agricultural pests, and the sale of the young as pets.

The cockatoo averages about 12-15 inches long.  These birds range in color from white, pink, yellow, gray, and black; they all have a large, feathery head crest, and a curved bill.  Males sometimes have darker feathers or eyes than females; otherwise, males and females are hard to distinguish.

There are only a few eggs in each clutch (a set of eggs laid in one nesting period).  The eggs are laid in a hollow tree cavity.  Both parents incubate the eggs for close to a month and both parents feed the chicks.

Cockatoos eat seeds of grasses, berries and nuts.     (source: www.enchantedlearning.com)