lesser sulphur-crested cockatoo
National Parks/ Sanctuaries
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Common Names
lesser sulphur-crested cockatoo, yellow-crested cockatoo
Regions
ChinaHong KongIndonesia
Population
Approximately 10,000 individuals.
Habitat
Tropical rainforests and coastal regions.
Weight(in lbs) and Life Span
1.5, and 40
Regions
China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Australia
The Lesser Sulphur‑Crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea), also known as the Yellow‑Crested Cockatoo, is a medium‑sized white cockatoo (~33‑34 cm long) with a bright yellow crest, yellow underwings and undertail, black bill, grey feet, and pale blue orbital skin. Both sexes look similar.
This bird feeds on seeds, fruits, buds, nuts, and other plant material. It nests in tree hollows. It was formerly widespread across many islands in Indonesia and Timor, but numbers have fallen steeply due to trapping for the cage‑bird trade and habitat loss. Found now in fragmented populations, with perhaps 1,200‑2,000 mature individuals remaining. It is listed as Critically Endangered. Conservation efforts target habitat protection, enforcement of trapping bans, and safeguarding of nesting sites.
Activity Instructions
- Draw the Animal: Use the next page to draw a picture of the animal. Use your imagination and make it colorful!
- Write an Essay: Write a short essay about the conservation efforts to save this animal. Here are some questions to guide you:
- Why is this species important in its ecosystem?
- What are the threats it faces, and how can we help?
- What do you find most interesting about this species?
