Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

The Sulphur-crested Cockatoo is a large, iconic white parrot (44–55 cm) distinguished by a conspicuous, forward-curving yellow crest that is raised when the bird is excited or landing. The plumage is almost entirely snow-white, though a subtle yellow wash is visible on the underwings and beneath the tail during flight. It features a heavy, hook-shaped black bill, dark grey feet, and a whitish eye-ring. While sexes appear nearly identical, adult females possess reddish-brown eyes compared to the solid black eyes of males, a trait visible only at very close range. Northern Australian populations may show pale blue skin around the eye and less yellow on the ear-coverts. Its voice is unmistakable: a deafening, raucous, and guttural screech that carries over great distances. In flight, it emits harsh, rhythmic squawks, while perched birds produce a broader repertoire of softer chatters, whistles, and occasional mimicry. Highly social and intelligent, this species typically congregates in pairs or large, noisy flocks. When foraging on the ground for seeds, roots, or corms, the group employs a sentinel system where one or more birds remain perched high in a nearby tree to watch for predators, alerting the group with a piercing scream if danger is detected. Flight is characterized by distinctive shallow, stiff wingbeats interspersed with short glides. Found across northern and eastern Australia, Tasmania, and introduced to Perth, it occupies diverse environments ranging from rainforest margins and woodlands to urban parks and agricultural fields. It is easily distinguished from Corellas by its larger size, black bill, and prominent yellow crest; Corellas have pale bills and lack the sweeping crest. Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo differs by having a distinct pink wash to the underparts and a multi-coloured red-and-yellow crest.

Description · BirdUp · CC BY-SA 4.0

1. 01

   Large, erectile, bright sulphur-yellow crest

   Often fanned out when excited or alarmed, but can lie flat against the head.

2. 02

   Overall stark white plumage

3. 03

   Pale yellow wash on underwing and undertail

   A subtle but clear feature, most conspicuous when the bird is banking in flight.

4. 04

   Heavy, hooked, dark grey to black bill