Many tend to cite cockatoos as one of the most unprecedented parrots in the parrot world for one of the more exciting and compelling looking parrots.
Their distinct look makes them extraordinarily different from other cockatoos, making them an immensely popular parrot to adopt.
On top of having a unique looking, cockatoos are filled with personality and tend to be lively and affectionate parrots.
Although their appearance may cause people to be frightened or feel worrisome about how they’ll be as a pet, make no mistake at all, cockatoos are great.
Plus, there are 21 different species of cockatoos, as well as a few sub-species, allowing you to find a wide variety of cockatoos adoption-wise.
Unlike most other parrots, many of these species are vastly different from one another, making them all even more of a novel parrot than others.
Size-wise, cockatoos tend to fall under the medium to large-range size for parrots.
They’re generally 12 to 13 inches for their height, but keep in mind that they vary in this regard because there are so many different species of cockatoos.
Besides their height, they’re usually around 1 to 2 pounds for their weight, but remember, their weight fluctuates depending on the species.
Cockatoos typically have an average age range of 50 to 70 years, making them lifelong pets for most people.
All in all, cockatoos are excellent parrots to consider adopting, but how do you know which species of cockatoo is best for you?
Without further ado, let’s take a close examination at the 21 species of cockatoos, as well as a few sub-species:
Umbrella cockatoo
Who knew that an object like an umbrella would be fit to refer to as the name of a cockatoo?
All jokes aside, umbrella cockatoos have the term umbrella due to their head crest that pops-out similar to an umbrella.
However, a cockatoo doesn’t press their crest out when it’s raining out, but do it when they’re surprised or shocked by something.
There are many reasons your umbrella cockatoo might do this, but usually note that it has to do with them being startled.
Personality-wise, umbrella cockatoos are gentle and docile creatures, making them an excellent parrot to adopt.
They have an all-white body with a dark beak, and they’re a bit bigger than the average cockatoo.
They’re usually 18 inches in length and weigh somewhere around 1 to 1.5 pounds.
Besides being excellent pets, umbrella cockatoos have an average lifespan of 40 to 60 years and are native to Indonesia.
Solomons cockatoo
The Solomons cockatoo, otherwise referred to as the ducorps corella, has a similar look to the umbrella cockatoo, but doesn’t feature the same umbrella crest.
Their crest tends to be a bit smaller and a lighter colored beak, but they still have an all-white body.
As for their personality, Solomons cockatoos are friendly, intelligent, and extremely playful creatures.
It’ll be challenging for you to find a more outgoing parrot, so make sure you do everything you can to give them enough attention.
Size-wise, they fall under the average cockatoo length by being 12 inches or so and weighing just under a pound at approximately 14 ounces.
They have an average lifespan of 50 years and are native to the Solomon Islands.
Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo
If you google punk-rock cockatoo, the sulphur-crested cockatoo will more than likely pop-up before anything else.
This doesn’t mean your sulphur-crested cockatoo won’t listen to authority, but that their all-white body with a yellow poofy mohawk looking crest makes them one of the most incredibly looking cockatoos in the world.
All jokes aside, sulphur-crested cockatoos are immaculate creatures and are affectionate, friendly, and dependent on attention and love from you.
If you don’t have enough time to dedicate to your parrot, you may want to go another route.
They’re a larger cockatoo by being around 20 inches in length and almost 2 pounds for their weight.
As a result of potentially having a large parrot, make sure you have more than enough space for them.
Otherwise, you’re going to run into some problems.
They have an average lifespan of 20 to 40 years and are native to Eastern Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia, and New Zealand
Eleonora cockatoo (sub-species of Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo)
Upon our first sub-species of the list, we have the eleonora cockatoo.
This gorgeously white cockatoo has the signature yellow mohawk-looking crest sulphur-crested cockatoos are known for.
These specific cockatoos are amongst the smallest sub-species of sulphur-crested cockatoos.
They’re usually 16 inches in length and weigh between 14 and 21 ounces, making them still a relatively large parrot.
Personality-wise, they’re extraordinarily outgoing and loving, meaning you’ll have to devote a lot of your time to giving them attention.
Like any other parrot of this size, always make sure you have everything you’ll need to properly care for them, or you might begin to see some issues.
Nevertheless, they have an average lifespan of 40 years and are native to the Aru Islands.
Mathews’ cockatoo (sub-species of Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo)
For another sub-species of the sulphur-crested cockatoo, we have the Matthews’ cockatoo, a cockatoo named after Gregory Matthews, the Australian ornithologist who identified the species in 1912.
Overall, they look very similar to other sulphur-crested cockatoos with their all-white body, but with a darker and more slanted beak.
They’re incredibly affectionate and dependent parrots, meaning you should only consider adopting one if you have enough time to care for them.
Never adopt a parrot that’s as social as a Matthews’ cockatoo unless you have a lot of free time.
Besides their personality, they’re very large cockatoos at an average height of 20 inches, weighing somewhere around 2 pounds.
As stated already, make sure you have more than enough room to adequately care for them.
Lastly, they have an average lifespan of 70 years.
They are native to the Fitzroy River and the Gulf of Carpentaria of North Australia.
Triton Cockatoo (sub-species of Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo)
For our last sub-species of sulphur-crested cockatoos, we have the Triton Cockatoo, a gorgeously white and yellow crest cockatoo like the other sub-species described.
Coenraad Jacob, a Dutch zoologist, first discovered the species in 1948.
Like many other Sulphur-crested cockatoos, the triton cockatoo is an extremely affectionate, playful, and intelligent parrot, making them an excellent option for large families looking for a long-term pet.
They’ll be able to give you more than enough love and affection for your entire family.
Size-wise, they’re large like most other cockatoos and are amongst the largest by being 18 to 22 inches for their height and around 2 pounds for their weight.
They have an average lifespan of 40 years and are native to New Guinea.
Goffins cockatoo or Goffini cockatoo
Back to the standard format of species for cockatoos is the goffini cockatoo, also known as the goffin’s cockatoo.
Goffin’s cockatoos are all-white parrots slim in complexion that have a light-colored beak and an orange dot around their beak.
As far as their temperament is concerned, expect your goffini cockatoo to be extremely social and affectionate, making them an excellent pet no matter your living situation.
Remember to give them enough toys and attention, so they’re at their happiest.
Goffin’s cockatoos tend to be on the average range of size for cockatoos by being roughly 12 inches in length and 10 ounces for their weight.
Since they’re a bit smaller, you won’t have to worry as severely about how much room they’ll need, but a large cage is undoubtedly better than a small one.
They have a lifespan of 40 years and are native to the forests of Yamdena, Larat, and Selaru.
Red-Vented Cockatoo
For a slightly more colorful cockatoo compared to the ones already listed, check out the red-vented cockatoo.
This white cockatoo has streaks of yellow and red on their tail.
These gorgeous cockatoos are not only compelling to look at but make for great pets.
Like many other cockatoos on this list, red-vented cockatoos are incredibly high energy, meaning it’ll take a lot to actually tire them out.
If you have kids who want to play and have fun, consider adopting a red-vented cockatoo so the two of them can get each other’s energy out.
Red-vented cockatoos are average-size for cockatoos by being 12 inches in length and weighing around 10 ounces.
They have an average lifespan of 40 years, like many other cockatoos, and are native to the Philippines.
Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo
Who knew a cockatoo could be in the army?
All joking aside, major mitchell’s cockatoo is a white and light pink cockatoo with a large yellow and rest crest that opens up when excited.
It’s challenging to find a more unique looking cockatoo after glancing at a major mitchell’s cockatoo.
Part of the reason the phrase major is in their name is because of their size.
Major mitchell’s cockatoos are a staggering 20 to 24 inches in length and weigh 20 ounces.
If you plan on adopting this species of cockatoo, make sure you’re prepared to have more than enough food to feed them.
Personality-wise, they’re reasonably wary parrots, meaning they tend to not like a lot of noise than other cockatoos.
Although they can be very friendly and loving, expect them to take a while to develop some trust.
They have an average lifespan of 50 to 60 years and are native to inland Australia.
Moluccan Cockatoo
For yet another all-white with shades of pink cockatoo, consider checking out the moluccan cockatoo, a thicker cockatoo that has and a pinkish crest that exposes when excited.
They tend to be excellent pets as they’re one of the most intelligent cockatoos in the world.
Besides their intelligence, moluccan cockatoos are friendly, affectionate, and beautiful parrots, causing many people to want to go out and adopt one.
As for their size, they’re quite large and are usually around 20 inches in length and close to 2 pounds for their weight.
They have an average lifespan of 40 to 60 years and are native to Indonesia.
Blue-Eyed Cockatoo
Do you want a parrot with blue eyes?
Although their eyes aren’t technically blue, the blue-eyed cockatoo has a blue circle around their eye.
The rest of their body is white besides their crest, which tends to be yellow.
How cool is that?
Personality-wise, blue-eyed cockatoos are mischievous and energetic parrots, meaning they tend to get into stuff if they have the opportunity.
They’re quite large like many other cockatoos as they tend to be 20 inches in length and around a pound for their weight.
They have an average lifespan of 50 years and are native to Papua New Guinea.
Little Corella
For one of the smaller sounding cockatoos on the list, welcome little corella, and all-white cockatoo with hints of red around their small fact. Although their name might make them appear tiny, little corellas are actually around the average size of a cockatoo.
Little corellas are 14 to 16 inches in length and weigh somewhere between 13 and 22 ounces.
Although they might appear timid, little corellas can be clownish, as well as reasonably independent parrots compared to most other cockatoos.
They have an average lifespan of 50 to 80 years and are native to Australia and southern New Guinea.
Lesser Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo
For yet another cockatoo with an all-white body and a yellow spiked crest, the lesser sulphur-crested cockatoo is in relation to the sulphur-crested cockatoo, but without as prominent of a crest.
Like their related species, they’re active and high-energy parrots, making them unsuitable for people who don’t have a lot of time on their hands.
Size-wise, they fall under the average size spectrum of cockatoos by being 13 inches or so in length while having a weight of around 12 ounces.
They have an average lifespan of 40 years and are native to the islands of Indonesia.
Citron Crested Cockatoo (sub-species of Lesser Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo)
Like the sulphur-crested cockatoos, the lesser sulphur-crested cockatoo has a sub-species referred to as the citron crested cockatoo.
The citron crested cockatoo is an all-white cockatoo, but instead of a yellow crest, they have a bright orange crest, thus why their name has the word citron.
If you’re interested in a very vocal and talkative cockatoo, the citron crested cockatoo is definitely the route to go with as they’re incredibly outgoing.
They’re usually 13 inches in length and tend to weigh just under 1 pound.
They have an average lifespan of 50 to 60 years.
They are one of the rarest parrots in the world as they can only be found on the island of Sumba, in Indonesia.
Long-Billed Corella
The long-billed corella is a fascinating looking parrot that’s white throughout most of their body, but have red dots around their face.
They tend to have powerful personalities, meaning they can be a bit demanding if they don’t get everything they want.
However, if you can manage to adopt one young, you should be able to teach them to be patient and not expect everything they want all the time.
They’re usually 14 to 15 inches in length and weigh just over a pound.
They have an average lifespan of 50 to 60 years and are native to Australia.
Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo
The red-tailed black cockatoo might be one of the most frightening looking cockatoos but are actually incredibly friendly and affectionate after they form a close bond with you.
They’re all black with a short grey beak, and a red tail.
They’re quite large and are around 24 inches in length, and are 1.5 to 2 pounds for their weight.
Personality-wise, red-tailed black cockatoos love to chew and play.
Expect them to try and chew through your furniture if they gain an opportunity.
Always do what you can to ensure they don’t ruin anything in your household due to their need to chew.
They have an average lifespan of 45 to 50 years and are native to Australia.
Glossy Black Cockatoo
For yet another all-black cockatoo, check out the glossy black cockatoo.
These incredibly unique cockatoos are all black with a round head but feature streaks of bright red in their tail.
They’re around 20 inches in length and have a weight generally around 1 pound.
As for their personality, glossy black cockatoos are incredibly friendly and affectionate.
As great of a parrot as they are, there are only a few hundred or so left in the world.
Nevertheless, they have an average lifespan of 15 to 50 years and are native to Australia.
Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoo
The yellow-tailed black cockatoo is yet another all-back cockatoo but has a yellow dot on its face, as well as a yellow tail.
They’re one of the world’s largest cockatoos by being 26 inches in length and having a weight of around 1.5 to 2 pounds.
Yellow-tailed black cockatoos are very friendly and loving, making them an excellent option for families looking for a solid parrot to adopt.
They have an average lifespan of 50 years and are native to south-east Australia.
Short-Billed Black Cockatoo
The short-billed black cockatoo is an all-black cockatoo that has hints of white dots around its face.
They’re enormous, coming in around 21 to 23 inches in length and having a weight falling approximately 1.5 pounds.
As for their personality, short-billed black cockatoos are mighty creatures, meaning they love to chew and destroy their surroundings for fun.
Don’t take this as a threat, but realize they have a lot of energy.
They have an average lifespan of 25 to 50 years and are native to South West Australia.
Long Billed-Black cockatoo
For the last all-black cockatoo on our list, we have the long billed-black cockatoo, a gorgeously large black cockatoo with grey dots around its face.
Like many other cockatoos, they’re enormous, being 22 to 24 inches in length and having a weight of around 1 to 2 pounds.
Personality-wise, they’re brilliant and inquisitive creatures, meaning they like to get into stuff due to the natural curiosity they have about their surroundings.
They have an average lifespan of 25 to 50 years and are native to South West Australia.
Gang-Gang cockatoo
Besides having a great name, the gang-gang cockatoo is an all-grey cockatoo with a bright pink head and crest.
Size-wise, they’re around 13 inches in length and usually have a weight that falls approximately 10 ounces.
They have a great personality, as many cite gang-gang cockatoos as being silly, goofy, lively, and intelligent parrots, making them an excellent parrot.
They have an average lifespan of 60 years and are native to the coastal regions of South East Australia’s coastal regions.
Palm cockatoo
Out of all of the cockatoos on this list, it’s challenging to find a cooler looking cockatoo than the palm cockatoo.
With an all-blue body, red-cheeked face, and tall blue crest, the palm cockatoo is a sight to see.
They’re huge and can be close to 28 inches in length while weighing over 2 pounds.
Personality-wise, they’re not as affectionate as other cockatoos and tend to keep to themselves more than other parrots.
They have an average lifespan of 40 to 60 years and are native to Australia.
Black Palm Cockatoo
This palm cockatoo is black and red.
Galah cockatoo
Who doesn’t love the color pink?
The galah cockatoo is an all-pink parrot with grey wings, tail, and head. Pretty cool, right?
They’re an average size cockatoo being around 14 inches in length and having a weight of around 10 to 12 ounces.
They’re very friendly and affectionate parrots, making them one of the best parrots to consider adopting if you can find one listed.
They have an average lifespan of 40 years and are native to Australia, typically found in grasslands.
Cockatiel
Last on our list of cockatoos is the cockatiel, a grey, yellow, and orange dotted parrot that is one of the most popular parrots for people to adopt.
They’re average-sized, being 12 to 13 inches for their length, but they only weigh around 3 ounces.
They’re very gentle, affectionate, and dependent parrots, meaning they expect to have a close relationship with you as time goes on.
Always do what you can to give them attention and love as they’ll enjoy it quite a bit. They have an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years, sadly, and are native to Australia.