Affectionate to a degree that becomes the problem — the species most likely to be rehomed, and the one most often misunderstood at purchase.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Cacatua alba |
| Origin | North Maluku Islands, Indonesia |
| Length | 45–46 cm (18 in) |
| Weight | 400–800 g (0.9–1.8 lb) |
| Lifespan | 40–60 years |
| Noise level | Extreme |
| Experience | Expert |
| Conservation | Endangered |
Temperament
Umbrellas are extraordinarily affectionate, and that is precisely what makes them difficult. A hand-raised Umbrella will want continuous physical contact, and a bird that does not get it may scream for hours or turn to feather-destructive behaviour. The cuddly baby cockatoo sold at twelve weeks becomes a powerful, emotionally demanding adult at four or five years.
Care
Independence has to be built deliberately from the start: foraging toys, structured alone-time, and a firm limit on petting to the head and neck only. Body stroking stimulates breeding behaviour and is strongly implicated in chronic hormonal problems. Cockatoos also produce heavy feather dust, which matters for anyone in the household with respiratory sensitivity.
Notes
Listed as Endangered, with wild numbers falling through habitat loss and trapping. Rescues are consistently full of this species. Adopting an adult from a reputable rescue is often both the ethical and the practical choice.