The black cockatoo is the largest of the cockatoo species, popular as pets all across the world despite the expensive cost that go into acquiring one. The palm cockatoo is a native to North Queensland in Australia and the island of New Guinea in the pacific. Regal, elegant, gentle souls, sweet of nature, docile, characteristics fit the wonderful Palm Cockatoo. You have not lived until you have seen and had the opportunity to interact with one of these creatures. These Cockatoos, also referred to as the Black Palms, have very large beaks. Somewhat unlike any other parrot, the upper and lower bill do not meet. This is so that the tongue can hold a nut against the top beak while the bottom beak opens it. Usually one of the best talkers in the Cockatoo group, their call is so unusual that it must be heard to describe. The call is not, however, unpleasant. And they are usually thought to be a quieter cockatoo. They should be fed as the breeder recommends and that usually includes a pelleted diet with Pandanus and Kamani nuts. In addition, dark green, dark orange vegetables should be in their diet. Grains, pastas, and thought to variety is usually recommended. This is a large investment for ownership. Do not skimp on this bird when it comes to cage, feeding, and proper toys and supplies. If you cannot afford what is necessary for this creature, you cannot afford the bird.
NATURAL HABITAT
The natural habitat of the Palm Cockatoo is Northen Australia. It lives in small groups in the tropical forests. In nature it is still pretty abundant, even though this cockatoo is the species with the slowest reproduction of all parrots. Once every two years it produces one egg.
FEEDING & CARE
Like all cockatoos, Black Palm Cockatoos can grow overweight easily, so owners should carefully supervise their fat intake. A healthy diet for a pet Black Palm Cockatoo should consist of high-quality pellets, a moderate amount of seed mix and daily helpings of fresh bird-safe fruits and vegetables
Primary Diet: herbivore (Frugivore , Granivore )
Animal Foods: insects
Plant Foods: leaves; seeds, grains, and nuts; fruit
Black Palm Cockatoos are large birds, and they need plenty of exercise to maintain their physical health. Make sure that your Black Palm Cockatoo is allowed a minimum of 3 to 4 hours outside of its cage each day so that it can stretch its muscles and play. These birds are inquisitive and have strong beaks, so they should always be supervised when outside of the cage to prevent accidents.
LIFE SPAN
Anecdotal evidence indicates a palm cockatoo reaching 80 or 90 years of age in an Australian zoo, although the oldest confirmed individual was aged 56 in London Zoo in 2000. Although longevity of captive birds is known, the lifespan of palm cockatoos that live in the wild is still unknown .
PERSONALITY & BEHAVIOR
Palm cockatoos are one of the loudest parrot species, making loud whistling calls. The most common call heard is the contact call which is a disyllabic whistle. When they are alarmed they produce a sharp, harsh screech. Other calls include grunts, mournful/wailing cries, whistles, and screeches. Another way they communicate is by stomping noisily on a perch, using sticks or nuts to drum against the tree, sometimes up to 200 times. This is usually used to advertise territorial boundaries. Their cheeks will change color with mood, stress, and health. They also use their erectile crest to communicate mood.
Although this bird is unique among cockatoos in many ways, perhaps its most distinguishing feature is tool is its behavior. Most likely as an adaptation to a thickly forested habitat where sound travels poorly, palm cockatoos beat sticks and large nuts against hollow trees when communicating with others of their kind. This behavior, known as “drumming”, is repeated anywhere from 2 to over 100 times, and creates quite a racket.
BREEDING SEASON
The Palm cockatoo is unique in breeding among all other cockatoos. These birds lay only one egg every two years which means their numbers increase very slowly.The palm cockatoo mates for life. The parents care for chicks for many months after they hatch. The breeding season usually occurs between the months of August and January, but varies with local climate. Palm cockatoos lays an average of 1 egg per season.
Their breeding success is considered very low but is somewhat offset by their long life span.
HOUSING
The Palm cockatoos been very active and destructive, the bird should be provided the largest cage that has space and budget allows. Durable cage construction is very important because palms are very strong chewers and can easily break welds on poorly constructed cages. One inch by one inch 12 gauge-welded wire is a good choice for cage construction. For birds that are destructive of wire, chain link is the most durable caging material. A full flight (to the ground), is recommended. A suggested size is 5 feet wide by 8 feet tall by 12 feet long.
Many also adapt to opening cage latches, so locks or escape proof latches may be necessary. The cage should be as large as possible but must allow at least enough room to fully spread the wings. Ideally the bird will have an outdoor cage as well to allow playtime in the fresh-air and sunlight.
INTERESTING FACTS
