Citron Cockatoo
(Cacatua sulphurea citroncristata)

DISCLAIMER: EACH BIRD IS UNIQUE AND THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY IS ONLY A GENERALIZATION

One of the six subspecies of the lessor crested cockatoo from Celebes and adjacent Buton Island, Sunda Islands and Islands in the Flores and Java Seas, Indonesia. Seen in pairs and small flocks. Prefer primarily dense forest with much coverage, and extremely tall trees that branch at half their height.

The rarest parrot on Sumba. 1993 detailed survey reports to date
estimated Citron population to be 1,150 to 1,850.
Description: five pairs of forward curving orange feathers, plus the leading white feathers which cover half the crest when not erected. Ear coverts pale orange, underside of flight and tail feathers yellow and margins of some breast feathers yellow in some birds. Remainder of plumage white. Beaks black. Iris black in males and reddish or reddish brown in females.

Citrons shouldn't necessarily be lumped together with the lessors as they have been observed as having different personalities and behaviors, however both create little rituals with food or toys placing them on different parts of their bodies. Also they will hide food or toys under their feathers and wings.

Perhaps one of the most common misconception about these birds are that they are the quietest cockatoo. No cockatoos are quiet, but I have personally heard them being much louder than the other parrots at times. Extremely intelligent and strongly bonding these parrots are delightful. They can entertain themselves for hours, like foot or puzzle toys and have a long attention span. Long leather strips with pieces of wood are a favorite toy, which will be woven into different designs and held and chewed on.

Citrons have a reputation for being skitzy or phobic, nervous or crazy. Providing them with privacy, secure coverage which they can retreat to, and being aware of their sleep requirements and security issues will go far in creating a happy well adjusted confident delightful companion.

Citron Cockatoos are not common in the bird trade, perhaps with
the difficulties with successful breeding programs, and not having as big a demand for them as the other cockatoos. Some folks say that Citron Cockatoos are perhaps the most hypersensitive of the entire cockatoo genus. A poorly raised citron can have a reputation and the potential to be a schizophrenic screamer or worse. It is thought that it needs stability, and security without spoiling. Many of the guidelines that are advised for the African Grey owner have been applied to the citron.

They have a strong desire to bond strongly, and have a tendency to over bond or over print on humans. Perhaps as one report I read because they didn't have enough time with their parents before being pulled from the nest. Life changes can be especially traumatic for a Citron I have read, and should be minimized as much as possible.

These are all things I have read and gathered and MUCH searching. The facts are that there is precious little printed or found on the Citron Cockatoo. I have heard more negative press than positive on them. I continue to be on the lookout and thirst for more, and appreciate any other feedback on these tangerine carrot tops that are so adorable.

My experience has been that I found Sassy in a bird store on consignment.She was returned for biting and screaming and plucking. Her owner's boyfriend said that either she goes or he would leave. She had bleeding toes from being trimmed for the first time by a new employee. She was the cutest thing I ever saw, she was sucking on her foot, and looked like she was sucking her thumb, I now believe this behavior was a comfort security thing for her,she did a real good impression of a statue. She has been in our home for over 3 years now.

She has come a long long way. She is extremely bonded to us, both my
husband and I. She is very loving and a treasure. She no longer has her
severe screaming and biting tendencies. She can be unpredictable, so I
don't allow her around my face, as she has nailed me a couple of times. She will strike out, if she is frightened, and although much more steady now, she can be sensitive at times. I believe that she would never intentionally hurt me, as I know she loves me very much, and she is only acting out of fear. Otherwise, she is extremely loving and responsive, she is very intelligent and interacts on a very cerebral level, and has a great sense of humor.