Cockatoo

== =Cockatoo= //by Taylor// Elayne

SIZE
Range in size from about 12 inches to about 27 inches. Those on the smaller size include Goffin's cockatoo and the lesser sulfur crested cockatoo, while the larger cockatoos included the umbrella, Moluccan and greater sulfur crested cockatoos.

//**http://www.ukparrotcages.co.uk/cockatoos.html**//**//**//**//

DIET
Cockatoos are not usually picky eaters, although there are more than enough exceptions. A varied diet based on pellets is best. The larger sized pellets are usually prefered; even Goffin's often will eat macaw-sized chunks. Fruits, veggies, and pretty much everything else should be added to the diet daily. Most cockatoos love sharing mealtimes with their "flock", and certain owners will provide their bird with his own plate! Try to include the bird in mealtime even if you'd rather he didn't sit at the table with you; provide him with his own serving of whatever you're eating, within limits. About the only things not to feed are avacado, chocolate, caffiene, and alcohol, which can be toxic to birds. Junk foods high in fat, salt, or sugar should be severely limited. Dairy foods should be watched, but low-lactose dairy foods like skim milk, yogurt, and most cheeses are usually great. Even meat can be fed, although beef and pork should only be fed in very small amounts; chicken and turkey is better.

http://www.geocities.com/rainforest/vines/1492/cockatoos.html**////

**LIFESPAN**

 * A Cockatoo's lifespan is approximately 40-50 years.

http://www.petcaretips.net/cockatoo.html**//**//**

**APPEARANCE**

 * It has a rounded crest and a large bill; males have a dark bill and an obvious red tail band whilst females have fine yellow spots on the head and wings with yellow barring across the breast. Females also have a more yellow-orange-red barred tail band and a creamy coloured bill. Juveniles have similar markings to females and a duskier coloured bill.**

//http://bird.ben.arvixe.com/bird/index.php?title=Red-tailed_Black_Cockatoo//**////

//HABITAT//
//These birds range throughout the various climates in Australia, from [|Far North Queensland] beyond the Iron Range Mountains, as well as parts of the Snowy Mountains. They are also numerous in [|Adelaide] and Southern [|South Australia] and can be spotted north of [|Perth].//

//http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulphur-crested_Cockatoo**////