Cockatoo

Cockatoo, a popular name for several genera and species of parrots (Psittaci), which may be associated in a family of Cacatuidæ or Plissolophinæ. Some of them are well known as decorative birds. The general characteristics are the tuft on the head, the strong high beak with a notch behind the point, the frequently bright colours of the plumage, the long wings, the loquacious habit. The cockatoos inhabit Australia, Tasmania, New Guinea, and the Indian Archipelago. The word which the birds seem to say, and which is curiously represented by the English cockatoo, is said to be Malayan for 'old father,' and to have been taught to the birds by their captors. Of the genus Plissolophus, fifteen Australian and Malayan species are known—e.g. Pl. sanguineus, Pl. molluccensis, Pl. cristatus. The great palm cockatoo (Microglossus aterrimus) is the strongest of the parrot tribe, and measures about two feet in length; its colour is mostly black; its special home is New Guinea. The crestless Nasiterna, the smallest of all the parrots, also inhabits New Guinea. The black cockatoos (Calyptrorhynchus) form another important genus in Australia. The cockatoos feed mainly on fruits and seeds, but do not disdain insect larvæ.