Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat

Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.

Cockatoo

Scientific name: Cacatua


Cockatoo

IUCN Status: Least Concern

Family: CACATUIDAE

Group: Birds

Shyness: Suspicious

Safe distance: 5 m

Breeding season / Courtship: 01.06-31.08

Gestation: N/A

Births: 01.08-31.12


Habitat:
Tropical and subtropical forests, savannas, and woodlands of Australia and New Guinea

Description:
Cockatoos are exuberant and colorful birds, known for their spectacular crests and fascinating social behavior. These birds are native to Australia, New Guinea, and neighboring islands. Their plumage, often white with brightly colored accents on the crest or tail, makes them particularly attractive. They are also famous for their intelligence and ability to mimic sounds, including human speech, making them popular as pets. Cockatoos live mainly in forests, savannas, and coastal areas. They are social birds that form often noisy groups, spending their days searching for food, perching, and interacting with other members of their group. Although some species of cockatoos are protected due to habitat loss and poaching, they remain an iconic symbol of exotic birds.

Recommended lens:
>=200 mm

Photography tips:
Use a telephoto lens to photograph cockatoos without disturbing them. They are often seen in trees or flying, and the morning or evening light is ideal. Be discreet and respect their space to avoid disturbing their behavior.

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