The Medium Sulphur Crested Cockatoo

(The one pictured is getting a bath)

Facts 

The Eleonora Cockatoo, Cacatua galerita eleonora, also known as Medium Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, is similar in appearance to other subspecies of the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. It is found in the Aru Islands and Indonesia and is common in aviculture. 

It is the smallest of the four subspecies of Cacatua galerita, at approx. 44 cm long and weighing in at between 404–602 grammes. Apart from the size difference, the Eleonora differs from the Greater Sulphur Crested in that it doesn't have as prominent white eye rings, the crest of an Eleonora is often less curved and it doesn't have the certain pointy upper mandible, which is only found in Cacatua galerita galerita.

In the wild, the Eleonora Cockatoo is found in open woodlands, forests, and semi-arid forested areas, as well as partially cleared forest areas. It feeds on nuts, berries, flower buds, flowers, seeds and insects. 

Medium sulfurs are one of the most affectionate and loving of all parrots. Intelligent, inquisitive and playful, they seem to enjoy taking things apart to “see how they work.“ They require a lot of attention and play time.

One notable Eleonora Cockatoo is Snowball, a bird recently demonstrated to be capable of beat induction - in other words, that the bird is capable of perceiving a musical beat and dancing to it. This trait is common among all cockatoos, not just something found in some species or individuals.

Medium Sulfur-Crested cockatoos range from 16 to 18 inches long and have a Life Span of 40+ years. 

Care and Feeding 

Specialized pelleted diets are highly recommended and should consist of 60–70% of the diet; use fortified seeds in moderation as they are higher in fat and less nutritious than pellets. Fresh fruits and vegetables, such as grapes, pineapple bits, and corn on the cob. Do not feed birds fruit seeds, avocados, chocolate, alcohol or caffeine as these can cause serious medical problems.

If your bird is used to a seed diet, convert to pellets gradually. Fresh pellets or seeds and fresh, clean, chlorine-free water should always be available. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be given daily; discard when not eaten within 24 hours; Cockatoos appreciate quality and variety in their food. Cockatoos ten towards obesity, carefully monitor your bird’s weight and food intake.

Birds acclimate well to average household temperatures; be cautious of extreme temperature change; cage should be placed off the floor in an area that is well-lit and away from drafts. A cage approximately 36" W x 28" D, with metal bars spaced no greater than 1" apart, makes a good home for your Cockatoo; as with all animals, it is best to provide the largest habitat possible; a flight cage is strongly recommended.

Perches should be at least 9" long and 1" in diameter; a variety of perch sizes to exercise feet and help prevent arthritis is recommended. A metal grate over the droppings tray will keep the bird away from droppings; line the droppings tray with cage paper or appropriate substrate for easier cleaning. To avoid contamination, do not place food or water containers under perches.