A feral sulphur-crested cockatoo is a large white parrot with a black beak and yellow crest. These birds impact native plant species through bark-stripping and beak-inflicted damage. They may also pass diseases to other native parrots.
Description
- A large, stocky white parrot
- Large hooked black beak and forward-curving yellow crest.
- Its habitats include forests, urban areas, pastures, crops and plantations.
What you need to know
Impacts native plant species through bark stripping, beak-inflicted damage and consumption of growing tips, seeds, flowers and fruit.
May spread Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease to native parrots.
Damages nut, fruit and cereal crops.
Management approach
Community led
These organisms have not been legally declared as pests but may be of interest to the public as they occur regularly in the environment. They may be capable of causing adverse effects to the values of Waitaha/Canterbury.
Do not release any sulphur-crested cockatoo into the wild.
Control
If you have pet cockatoos, make sure they’re securely contained to avoid accidental escapes. If you are no longer able to look after your pet sulphur-crested cockatoo, find someone who is prepared to give it a lifetime home or contact a relevant pet shop or animal rescue organisation to get it rehomed.
Never release a sulphur-crested cockatoo into the wild – your pet may be unable to find the food and shelter it needs, and it also puts our native species at risk.
For more information on controlling feral sulphur-crested cockatoo contact us on 0800 324 636.
Sulphur-crested cockatoo. Photo credit: John Turnbull
Sulphur-crested cockatoo. Photo credit: Patrick Kavanagh
Sulphur-crested cockatoo
Sulphur-crested cockatoo
Sulphur-crested cockatoo
