Citron crested cockatoos (sometimes called Sumba cockatoos) are one of the smaller members of the sulphur crested cockatoo species. Native to the Indonesian island of Sumba, the citron cockatoo is critically endangered in the wild due to habitat loss and the illegal pet trade. While uncommon in the North American pet trade, it is possible to legally buy captive bred citron cockatoos from breeders.
Citron Cockatoo Appearance
Physically the citron cockatoo is much smaller than an umbrella or Moluccan cockatoo, with adults only reaching fourteen inches in length. The distinctive cockatoo crest is orange in the citron (hence the name), with white feathers at the front of the crest. The cheek parches are also orange, and the underside of the wings is a pale yellow.
The citron’s beak is blackish-gray, and the skin around the eye is a very pale blue. Adult citrons can be sexed by the color of their eyes: females have red-brown eyes, while male eye color is a dark brown or black.
Citron Crested Cockatoos as Pets
A citron crested cockatoo can make a wonderful pet, but only if it is handled correctly. The citron may be smaller than its larger cousins, but requires just as much care and attention. Like Moluccans, a neglected citron may start feather plucking, biting, or screaming incessantly (while some claim the citron is quiet for a cockatoo, it has to be remembered that this claim is relative). Overall, citron cockatoos, like other toos, are best handled by experienced parrot owners.
Diet and the Citron Cockatoo
Wild citron cockatoos eat a variety of food, including berries, fruit, immature coconuts, nuts, seeds and vegetable matters. Their diet in captivity needs to reflect this diversity. Seeds should be kept to a minimum in favor of healthier foods. Commercial pellet formulas can be fed, but fresh food is vital for any parrot’s health.
Citron Cockatoos, Parrot Cages, and Parrot Toys
A parrot cage for a citron should be as large as possible, and made from material that can withstand the cockatoo’s powerful beak. A bird aviary is ideal for pet citrons, who are powerful and able fliers. Mosquito netting is necessary for any bird aviary in areas where West Nile virus is a concern, and the aviary also needs to offer protection against vermin and predators.
Citron crested cockatoos are extremely intelligent, and need both personal attention and an abundance of safe parrot toys to be happy. A cockatoo cage needs to be well-stocked with toys. Foraging toys stimulate the bird’s natural curiosity and intelligence, and wooden toys help satisfy a citron’s need to chew. Fail to provide a citron crested cockatoo with chew toys and the parrot will find things to chew: walls, furniture, wooden artwork, their own feathers—to the too these are all potential toys.
Citrons and Talking Parrots
Citron cockatoos can learn to say a limited number of phrases, but like other sulphur-crested cockatoos they aren’t known for their talking ability. The citron’s love of human attention and intelligence does, however, mean they learn tricks easily.
A citron cockatoo has a lifespan of 30 to 45 years, so bringing a citron home is a lifelong commitment. If you are considering living with one of these intelligent, demanding, and sometimes aggravating cockatoos, be sure to research their needs as much as possible before making a decision.
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