Sulphur-crested Lesser Cockatoo

Overview

The Yellow-crested Cockatoo, sometimes called the Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, is native to Indonesia and East Timor. It closely resembles its larger relative, the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, but is noticeably smaller in overall size and crest length.

Its white plumage with a yellow crest and a subtle yellow wash on the ear coverts distinguishes it from other small white cockatoos in its range.

Feather Identification

• Body feathers: White overall, similar in tone to other white cockatoos but on a smaller body frame.
• Crest feathers: Narrow, recurved feathers of bright yellow, shorter than those of the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo but similarly shaped.
• Ear coverts: A subtle yellow tinge on the feathers behind and below the eye, a useful secondary field mark.
• Underwing and undertail: Pale yellow wash on the underside of flight and tail feathers, similar to but less extensive than in the larger Sulphur-crested Cockatoo.
• Compared to similar species: Smaller overall size and shorter crest separate it from the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo; lacks the pink tones of the Moluccan or Major Mitchell's Cockatoos.

Plumage Notes

Sexes look alike in plumage. Juveniles resemble adults with a somewhat shorter crest and duller yellow tones until after their first molt.

Molt occurs gradually through the year, with feather coloring remaining stable across seasons.

Habitat & Range

This species is native to Indonesia and East Timor, historically occurring across a broader range of islands than it does today. It inhabits lowland forest, forest edge, and coastal woodland habitats.

It is generally resident within its range, with local movements linked to food availability.

Behavior & Field Notes

Yellow-crested Cockatoos are social, typically seen in pairs or small flocks foraging for seeds, fruit, and nuts in forest canopy and edge habitat. They raise their yellow crest during social displays or when alarmed.

They nest in tree hollows, and pairs are believed to form long-term bonds. Their calls are loud, harsh screeches typical of cockatoos, though the overall volume is somewhat less than that of the larger Sulphur-crested Cockatoo.