We now number 65 and would like to welcome our newest Angels: Bonnie B., Jan P., Kristie R., Bob K., Elizabeth C., Nikki S. and Sharon G.

We hope you enjoy this issue, it is dedicated to Our Angels who work tirelessly and with never-ending enthusiasm. We salute you and thank you!

We thought it would be appropriate to feature Cockatoos this month...read on and you'll learn why. If you'd like to see a specific species featured, please drop us an email. Or if you have a story you'd like to contribute, we welcome submissions. Please send it to The Editor. All submissions will be considered.

When one thinks of an angel the picture brought to mind is a heavenly figure with wings, or, sometimes, a small child (sleeping of course). One dictionary definition on angel goes like this: "One of a class of spiritual beings; a celestial attendant of God". Other definitions include references to having the qualities of mercy and kindness, and it is those definitions and those words- mercy and kindness- that come to mind when I think of what it means to be a Parrot Toy Angel.

At the time I became involved with Parrot Toy Angels I was already the parent of nine birds (1 African Grey, 2 Amazons, 2 Conures, 1 Quaker, and 3 Luvies), all of whom except the Luvies and one of the Conures I rehomed from other owners. So I had a natural interest in birds and had come across the "Cheepers" group on the 'net, which led me to wanting to make toys for my own birds. Lynn saw my toys on the "Cheepers" site and invited me to join PTA, which was then in the early days of its existence.

I realized at once that PTA was not just another chat group or club, but that it had a much higher purpose that appealed to me. I was already aware of the plight of so many unwanted birds. The lucky ones sometimes are adopted out to good homes, or they may end up in rescues waiting to be adopted. The sad truth is many unwanted pet birds end up never being adopted and spend their remaining years in rescues. Fortunately, there are many good rescues out there doing an excellent job caring for unwanted birds. These rescues depend on donations of money, goods, services, and organizations like PTA to be successful in carrying out their mission.

PTA's mission is to help these birds by providing rescue organizations and, in some circumstances, even individual owners with hand made toys. PTA is not a social club, and all of its members must have PTA's mission, its higher purpose, as their reason to participate in PTA. I recognize that PTA is also now a 501(c)3 non profit, and that it must operate under certain guidelines that all of its members must also subscribe to. Sounds like pretty serious stuff, but in reality all of that is just a pathway to guide the members, and once on that path the rest is FUN for anyone who seriously likes to make toys and help needy birds.

My birds are a big part of my (and my husband's) life. PTA has provided me with an opportunity and means to give back some of the joy that comes to me from being a bird parent. Sure, it can get expensive at times, and it can take up a lot of my (our) time, especially when Lynn is frantically calling for toys for a new project, but the satisfaction and peace of mind that comes from knowing that PTA is helping so many birds and that I am a part of that makes it all worthwhile.♥♥♥

The Facts
There are 21 (or 22) species of Cockatoos (Cacatuidae), depending on whether or not one includes the Cockatiel as a member of the Cockatoo family. For those that are interested you will find them listed at the right of this article.
Cockatoos have a much more restricted range than the true parrots, occurring naturally only in Australia and nearby islands. Eleven of the 21 species exist in the wild only in Australia, while seven species occur in Indonesia, New Guinea, and other South Pacific islands. Three species occur in both New Guinea and Australia.
All species of cockatoo are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (also known as CITES), which makes the import, export and trade in all wild-caught parrots and cockatoos illegal.

Cockatoo Species: *Palm Cockatoo, Probosciger aterrimus, *Gang-gang Cockatoo, Callocephalon fimbriatum, *Red-tailed Black Cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus (Calyptorhynchus) banksii, *Glossy Black Cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus (Calyptorhynchus) lathami, *Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus (Zanda) funereus, *Short-billed Black Cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus (Zanda) latirostris, *Long-billed Black Cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus (Zanda) baudinii, *Galah, Eolophus roseicapilla, *Major Mitchell's Cockatoo, Lophocroa leadbeateri, *Long-billed Corella, Cacatua (Licmetis) tenuirostris, *Western Corella, Cacatua (Licmetis) pastinator, *Little Corella, Cacatua (Licmetis) sanguinea, *Red-vented Cockatoo, Cacatua (Licmetis) haematuropygia, *Goffins Cockatoo, Cacatua (Licmetis) goffini, *Ducorps Cockatoo, Cacatua (Licmetis) ducorpsii, *Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Cacatua (Cacatua) galerita, *Yellow-crested Cockatoo, Cacatua (Cacatua) sulphurea, *Citron-crested Cockatoo, Cacatua (Cacatua) sulphurea citrinocristata, *Blue-eyed Cockatoo, Cacatua (Cacatua) ophthalmica, *Moluccan Cockatoo or Salmon-crested Cockatoo, Cacatua (Cacatua) moluccensis, *Umbrella Cockatoo, Cacatua (Cacatua) alba

The following cockatoo species are protected on the CITES appendix 1 list of endangered species:
          ♥ Goffin's cockatoo, Cacatua goffini
          ♥ Red-vented Cockatoo, Cacatua haematuropygia
          ♥ Moluccan Cockatoo, Cacatua moluccensis
          ♥ Yellow-crested Cockatoo, Cacatua sulphurea
              ♥♥♥ includes the subspecies, Citron-crested Cockatoo,
                     Cacatua sulphurea citrinocristata
          ♥ Palm Cockatoo, Probosciger aterrimus
          ♥ All of the other cockatoo species are protected on the CITES appendix 2 list of vulnerable species.(2)

Cockatoos as Companions
Cockatoos make exceptional companion birds, if their needs and requirements are adequately met. They are affectionate, funny, comical, mischievious and generally easy to get along with. Their requirements, however, are rather complex and many.

The key to a great Cockatoo as a companion bird is a great beginning. Cockatoos are known for becoming phobic and developing behavioral issues such as plucking and/or screaming. A study was done a few years ago by Dr. Brian Speer, DVM and associates that indicated that many of these phobic issues may be caused by the early weaning that is practiced by many breeders.(3) In the wild, and also in captivity, if left alone, Cockatoo babies stay with their parents until the next breeding season. Thus, a year or slightly less. While the babies are certainly eating on their own a few weeks after fledging, they have also been observed being fed by their parents up until the next clutch is laid.

A properly raised, socialized and trained Cockatoo makes a wonderful companion. Cockatoos are noted for being very sweet, affectionate birds, with a voice that sounds a lot like "Cousin It". They are also known for being exceptionally cuddly birds that want to be "on" their people as much as possible. They have rightly earned their title of "Velcro Birds". They love attention and affection and will generally like just about anybody that will pet them.

When raising Cockatoo babies the process is much the opposite than with parrots and macaws. With parrot and macaw babies you handle as much as possible. They are by nature independent and will generally learn to entertain themselves on their own. With Cockatoo babies you handle frequently, but just as frequently you must leave the 'Too baby in his/her cage or play area, without human interaction to encourage independence and the ability to entertain itself.

Alternately, an improperly handled, raised or spoiled 'Too can (and often does) become destructive, overly dependent, self-mutilators and/or screamers. Correct handling and meeting their dietary, exercise, activity and affection needs, are a must. Somewhat of an effort but most 'Too owners will agree, that their 'Too is well worth the effort!

Cockatoos are renown for their affectionate, cuddly nature, as well as being an energetic, playful and often silly bird. Most species of Cockatoo will learn to talk, and although they are not noted as particularly accomplished talkers, the "Cousin It" quality to their voices lends a humorous element to their speech. If you have never seen a Cockatoo "war dance" or play "psycho bird", you are certainly missing some great entertainment!

The Basics
Diet: A healthy Cockatoo diet consists of a large variety of fresh vegetables, fruit and nuts. As well as cooked grains such as barley, oats, brown rice, vegetable pasta, and sweet potato. Pellets and a small amount of seed should be included at least several times a week.
Exercise: A cockatoo should be allowed plenty of opportunity for exercise. 3 to 4 hours a day outside of the cage is ideal. If not practical, then at least an hour on a Play Gym with time allowed for interaction with people.
Cage Size: The bigger the cage the better. Large Cockatoos, such as Umbrellas and Moluccans should have a cage 40" wide x 30" deep at minimum. Smaller Cockatoos such as the Goffin's and Ducorps can get by with a cage 36" wide x 24" deep, but again bigger is always better! I recommend 40" wide x 36" deep for ALL size Cockatoos. They love the space and this allows lots of room for toys and perches.
Entertainment: Lots and lots and lots of toys... toys to chew, toys to shred, puzzle toys, simple toys, complicated toys, wood toys, rope toys, raffia toys... Leaving the television or a radio on when you are gone is appreciated by many Cockatoos. Most love music!

In conclusion, if you are dedicated and willing to go the extra mile, a Cockatoo makes an exceptional companion bird. However, if you aren't willing to go the extra distance, stick to one of the less needy and demanding species.♥

References:
(2)Wikipedia, the free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia
(3)Speer, Brian, DVM. "Cockatoo's as Companion Birds", Exotic Pets Veterinary Symposium, October 11-15, 2000, University of California at Davis

Over the past year my husband, Bruce, and I have seen nine species of Australian cockatoo in five different areas of the country: Central Australia, where we live; Northern Australia, also called the Top End; Sydney, in New South Wales on the eastern coast; Western Australia; and South Australia.

The cockatoo species that we've seen in the largest numbers and the most common species of parrot in Central Australia is the Galah, or Rose-breasted Cockatoo (Eolophus roseicapilla). Galahs are widespread throughout the country, benefiting from agricultural crops; they are considered pests in some agricultural areas. Their status in the wild is secure, and they are common as pets.

The numbers of Galahs we see around our home in Alice Springs range from pairs to flocks of more than 100. They are raucous birds, often flying in "kamikaze" mode, with incredibly acrobatic flight maneuvers-the strongest, most maneuverable fliers of the nine cockatoo species we've seen. Here are some photos of the Galahs that live in Alice Springs:

Copyright 2007 Bruce Dehnbostel
Click here for full size images

We have spent time in both 2006 and 2007 with a flock of Little Corellas (Cacatua sanguinea) in Kakadu National Park in Australia's Top End. In mid-July we returned to the same area along the South Alligator River where we had seen them in large numbers last year-and they didn't disappoint us! By the size difference we could distinguish between the young of the year and their parents. Back home in Alice Springs, we have the pleasure of watching our local Little Corellas near our home every evening as they "stage" at a goose pond near the golf course in preparation for flying to their roost in the gum trees on the pedestrian mall (occasionally a few Galahs will accompany them). No threats to Little Corella populations exist, and they can appear in flocks of tens of thousands-probably much to the dismay of farmers. This species of corella is not exported from Australia and is fairly rare in captivity. Because we spent so much time with the Kakadu flock, Bruce was able to photograph the Little Corellas in various conditions: flying, perching, playing, preening. These guys have it all!

Copyright 2007 Bruce Dehnbostel
Click here for full size images

Another benefit of our recent travels to the Top End was seeing Red-tailed Black Cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus banksii) in Kakadu National Park (we also saw a flock of 30 Red-tails along the Simpson's Gap bicycle path near Alice Springs in early July, but, as bad luck would have it, we didn't have a camera). The Red-tail flock in Kakadu was foraging along the roadside in a eucalyptus forest. A Parks and Wildlife biologist had told us that the Red-tails we saw near Alice were probably eating the soil (called geophagy); the ones in Kakadu could well have been doing the same thing-to reduce toxicity from the seeds and unripe fruits they eat. We noticed many burned areas in Kakadu, fires deliberately set to reduce the flammable undergrowth and to encourage new growth; the birds could have been eating fire-opened seeds. These large, slow-flying black birds, whose calls sound like a rusty gate hinge, are common in the north and southwest but rare and threatened in the southeast. The males-solid black with stunning red panels on their tails-and the females-black with yellow spots and a red and yellow banded tail-appear quite skittish and intolerant of humans. Two subspecies are listed as endangered or threatened, but overall the species is listed with the World Conservation Union (IUCN) as being of least concern. Red-tails are becoming increasingly common as pets in Australia but are rare in captivity elsewhere. We were able to capture these gorgeous large cockatoos in digital images:

Copyright 2007 Bruce Dehnbostel
Click here for full size images

Our sighting of Major Mitchell's Cockatoo (Cacatua leadbeateri) near Alice Springs in Central Australia was a lucky one-we spotted them on the far eastern edge of their range, which is mostly southwestern and southeastern Australia. Although the IUCN lists the Major Mitchell's wild status as being of least concern, the New South Wales parks and wildlife service considers it vulnerable because of loss of habitat and the pet trade. Major Mitchell's are common pets in Australia but fairly rare elsewhere. We saw this small flock of lovely pink, orange, and white cockatoos along the Stuart Highway near Alice Springs, eating paddy melons and enjoying the sun:

Copyright 2007 Gemma Dehnbostel
Click here for full size images

The genus name for the fast and agile Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) describes these little ones perfectly: when they flit among the gum trees in the dry river bed, they are like little nymphs. We were able to capture only two of these elusive and difficult-to-spot birds on camera in Alice Springs. We hear their insistent chirps frequently, but by the time we can see them, they are zipping by as grey, white, and yellow blurs. They live in large flocks in remote desert areas and open country and are common and widespread throughout Australia, both in the wild and as pets (as in the United States). We hadn't seen any Cockatiels in 2006 and held out little hope of seeing them at all, but, with heavy rains in Central Australia early in 2007, a few small flocks made their way to the Todd River in Alice, where we finally saw them. This photo is our only documentation:

Copyright 2007 Bruce Dehnbostel
Click here for full size images

Way out of its range, one Long-billed or Slender-billed Corella (Cacatua tenuirostris) appeared near the golf course close to our home among a flock of resident Little Corellas. One day we spotted the Long-billed Corella among the others; several weeks later we saw at least four Long-bills with the flock. Because the Long-billed Corella's range is limited to small areas of South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales, we believe the Long-bills we saw were probably someone's escaped pets-or perhaps they were simply way off course. Their status in the wild is of least concern; their populations declined somewhat in the past because of habitat loss, persecution by farmers, and the pet trade, but recently their numbers appear to be increasing. Long-billed Corellas are rare in captivity. The photos here are of the one Long-bill we saw with the Little Corella flock near the golf course.

Copyright 2007 Bruce Dehnbostel
Click here for full size images

The Royal Botanic Garden in Australia's largest city, Sydney, is a great site for spotting Sulphur-crested Cockatoos (Cacatua galerita). Each time we've visited Sydney, one of our favorite activities is wandering through the Botanic Garden and keeping an eye out for the small flocks of Sulphur-crests resting among the huge banyan or Norfolk pine trees or hearing them squawk as they fly over the harbor's sparkling waters. Ah, to be a cockatoo with a view of Sydney Harbor! We've seen this species in Kakadu National Park, in the Top End, as well. These birds can be spotted at great distances from a prominent lookout, with their white bodies emphasized against the green forests and their loud calls carrying many miles (it's no wonder they are loud in the living room!). Sulphur-crests are common in their range-and common in captivity-and are not threatened, although they are still captured for the pet trade. Because they are not protected in Australia, culling of this species occurs. Bruce photographed these Sulphur-crests in the wild forests of Kakadu and the tamer gardens of Sydney.

Copyright 2007 Bruce Dehnbostel
Click here for full size images

When we traveled to the southern coast of Australia in March 2007, we had two sightings of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus funereus). Walking along a cliff edge near the Great Ocean Road, we were startled by the lifting off of four large black birds below us-Yellow-tails! Again, driving along the Great Ocean Road, we spotted a flock of about a dozen foraging for pine nuts in the pine trees near the road. These spectacular, slow-flying large black birds are found along the southeastern and southern coasts of Australia, and their populations appear to be stable, although in some areas they are declining because of habitat loss. They can be seen in flocks of up to 300-what a sight that must be! Yellow-tails are rare in captivity in Australia and extremely rare elsewhere. I treasure these photos of the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo:

Copyright 2007 Bruce Dehnbostel
Click here for full size images

Dependent on the old-growth forests in the southwestern corner of Australia, the Long-billed (or Baudin's) Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus baudinii) is endangered from habitat destruction, invasive bee species taking its nest sites, and illegal shooting. We saw and heard a pair of these large black birds with white ear patches and white tail panels as we walked on an elevated walkway through the tree canopy in the Valley of the Giants, where the birds' preferred karri and tingle trees grow. These enormous trees provide nesting sites for the Long-billed Black Cockatoo. This species is quite rare in captivity in Australia and extremely rare elsewhere. In addition to a silhouette of one of the birds we saw, I am including a photo of the giant trees to show the birds' habitat.

Copyright 2007 Bruce Dehnbostel
Click here for full size images
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