Ducorp's Cockatoo

Ducorp's Cockatoo Species Profile

Traits:  This species is very intelligent and, particularly when hand-raised, makes an affectionate, entertaining pet. Ducorp's cockatoos can learn a fewwords or phrases, and although this species is reported to be slightly more independent than many other cockatoo species, they still need a great deal of time and attention in order to thrive. Everything is a toy to them, and they can be very playful and active.

Behavior/Health Concerns:  After being weaned, the Ducorp's cockatoo tends to have a “baby cry” for another couple of months, after which point the crying stops. These cockatoos have a need to chew, so they should be given plenty of healthy and permissible chewing opportunities. Consistent, continuing behavior training helps to keep this species from engaging in destructive behavior, such as screaming or feather picking.

The Ducorps' Cockatoo (Cacatua ducorpsii) is endemic to the Solomon Islands where it is common across most of the Solomons, absent only from Makira in the south. It inhabits lowland rainforests, secondary forests, cleared areas and gardens.

Description:

The Ducorp's Cockatoo is larger than the Goffin's Cockatoo but smaller than the Umbrella Cockatoo. Notable features of this cockatoo include a blue eye ring and a recumbent crest which resembles a sail in its raised state.

The Ducorp's Cockatoo as Pet:

The Ducorp's Cockatoo is reported to be intelligent and playful. They are quieter than most Cockatoos and make sweet pets given a right environment that takes into account their need for plenty of companionship / interaction and mental stimulation. Even though they are smaller than most other cockatoos (not as small as the Goffin's Cockatoo though), they are very active and need roomy cages and lots of toys.

Description:

Ducorp's Cockatoos grow to about 13 inches in length. Notable features of this cockatoo include a blue eye ring and a recumbent crest which resembles a sail in its raised state. They have predominantly white plumage although sometimes the hidden bases of the head and breast feathers have a carnation pink base. Their crests are round and very broad. Ducorp's Cockatoos have pale yellow undersides to their wings and tails. Their feet are gray and their bills are grayish-white. Males have dark brown or black irises, while females have more red coloration in their irises.

Breeding:

Ducorp's Cockatoos are quite rare in aviculture. Breeding pairs need an aviary of at least 12 x 6 x 6 feet in dimension.

Taxonomy:

Genus: English: White Black-billed Cockatoos ... Dutch: Wit and Zwartsnavelkakatoes ... German: Eigentliche Kakadus ... French: Cacatoès

Species: Scientific: Cacatua ducorpsii aka Plyctolophus ... English: Ducorp's Cockatoos, Solomon Island Cockatoos ... Dutch: Ducorps Kakatoe, Salomon Kakatoe ... German: Salomonenkakadu, Ducorps' Kakadu... French: Cacatoès de Ducorps