Moluccan Cockatoo

Basic Information:

Scientific Name: Cacatua moluccensis

Habitat: Moluccan cockatoos are indigenous to the Moluccan and Amboina Islands of Indonesia. 

Diet: Moluccan cockatoos eat fruits, seeds, nuts, and insects.

Size: 1.5 to 1.7 feet tall / 1.7 to 1.8 foot wingspan

Weight: 1.5 to 2 pounds

Lifespan: 80 to 100 years

Distribution Map:

I.U.C.N. Conservation Status:

What does this mean?

Vulnerable – a species determined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (I.U.C.N.) to possess a high risk of extinction as a result of rapid population declines of 30 to more than 50 percent over the previous 10 years (or three generations), a current population size of fewer than 1,000 individuals, or other factors.

Our Moluccan Cockatoo:

Polly (Male) – Estimated Birthdate 1950

Did You Know?!

  • Moluccan cockatoos are also known as salmon-crested cockatoos.
  • Moluccan cockatoos have a ridge of feathers on top of their head, also called a crest, that they use to communicate. They raise their feathers when they are excited, alert, agitated, or when trying to display their size.
  • Moluccan cockatoos are known for being crop pests of coconut plantations. They go after young coconuts, chewing through the tough outer layer to get to the pulp and milk.
  • Like other parrots, Moluccan cockatoos have zygodactyl feet. This means that they have two toes pointing forward and two pointing back.
  • Moluccan cockatoos tend to travel in small groups, singly, or as pairs, rather than larger flocks.
  • The two biggest threats to the Moluccan cockatoo are deforestation and trapping for the pet trade.

Due to needing time to set up for our Wine in the Wilderness Event, on June 3rd the zoo will be closing to the public at 1pm! We will reopen our doors at 6pm for the event! Event tickets will still be purchasable at our gift shop during this time!