Umbrella Cockatoo
(Cacatua Alba)
DISCLAIMER: EACH BIRD IS UNIQUE AND THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY IS ONLY A GENERALIZATION
Length 15 to 18 inches average
Weight 400-700 grams range
An adorable cockatoo, known as one of the friendliest, most cuddly and affectionate of the
cockatoos. It is also called The White-Crested Cockatoo or The Great White Cockatoo. It is
the most popular cockatoo pet.
The crest is upright and is white lending much beauty to this cockatoo.
They are usually very friendly with everyone in the family and even
strangers. Umbrellas are said to be the "people" birds and the most
all-around friendly of them all. Although some can talk, the Umbrella
Cockatoo is not thought of as one of the better talking parrots. Their call is very, very
loud and all family members must be willing to accept this loudness in order for this
parrot to be successful in your home as a companion. The Umbrella cockatoo likes to dance
with its crest up and screams with its dance. This is normal behavior. Some Umbrellas are
mechanical by nature and like puzzle toys with screws and nuts and bolts and the C clamps
that hold on their toys so stainless steel in these items is recommended to avoid metal
poisoning.
The Umbrella Cockatoo is said to be an intelligent, sensitive, emotional
cockatoo and can be very dependent on its family. Not all are emotional.
The Umbrella is curious, mischievous and manipulative by nature. This
cockatoo should be taught to play independently and interactively to be well adjusted.
Owners say that the Umbrella Cockatoo would like to sit on them 24 hours a day. Out of
cage time each day is mandatory for all cockatoos and especially indicated for the
Umbrella Cockatoo. Their play style is described as acrobatic. This is a cockatoo that
enjoys going outside in a harness and leash and considers field trips as exploration and
discovery delights.
They are said to be the most cunning of all the cockatoos by experienced owners. They are
determined in many of their actions and head strong to get what they want.
Their size can vary from small females at 400 grams to large males at 700 grams.
Tends to enjoy extensive cuddling and petting and owner attention. They are chewers and
owners should provide lots of wood for chewing. They are intelligent and need stimulation.
Most are very good-natured. Provide Umbrellas with large cages and play areas away from
the cage to allow for athleticism.
The Umbrella Too treasures being a part of the family and an owner who will spend lots of
time paying it attention and handling the bird. At sexual adolescence, the male Umbrella
requires extra patience and caution by the owner to keep the bird as calm as possible and
tame. Mischievous and playful birds, they need challenged and one on one attention many
minutes each day.
Owners describe male Umbrellas as charming, engaging and even charismatic. They are said
to be full of life and bundles of energy. They are also considered to be sweet birds as is
the female. The males are described as thinking birds that will study a problem and work
to its solution. Although loud, the male Umbrella demonstrates the exuberance for life
that is the trademark of the cockatoo. The male can be very aggressive during pubertyfrom
about age 4 to age 6.
Owners describe female Umbrellas as filled with sweetness and sunshine. One says hers is
fearless, outgoing and sociable. Very cuddly and will snuggle for long periods of time.
Determined birds that can focus their attention for some time to accomplish their desired
mission. Female umbrellas are thought by many to be the most easily controlled of all the
cockatoos and are said to be the best pet by many.
Written by Linda Middleton