A Pet Bird Known For Following Commands Can Live For Over 80 Years

"Polly want a cracker?" More like, "Polly want a lifelong companion!" If you're thinking about taking in a pet bird, it's important to know that some of the most beautiful, charismatic birds out there also have some of the longest lifespans of all pets. An extremely intelligent, communicative bird, the umbrella cockatoo, also known as the white cockatoo or the great white-crested cockatoo, can live for up to 80 years, so bringing one into your home is as close to a lifetime commitment as it gets.

Umbrella cockatoos are tropical birds native to Indonesia, and they have that signature white crest that pops up when they are excited or agitated. In fact, most of their body is white, with the exception of yellow feathers under their wings and tails. They're medium-sized birds that get up to 18 inches in length, but as far as pet birds go, they're quite a presence. Not just physically, either — umbrella cockatoos are birds with big personalities who require an involved pet parent.

Umbrella cockatoos require lots of love, attention, and stimulation, so they're not the best choice for the absentee pet owner, and they should be adopted by experienced bird owners. In the wild, these birds live in groups, so they don't spend much time alone, and they don't adapt well to those kinds of situations. Umbrella cockatoos that are left alone for too long could develop destructive behaviors, like chewing on their feathers or screeching.

These birds are super smart — some are able to learn upwards of 50 words, they love to play and are very affectionate, and they can use tools like twigs to scratch themselves. You can't say that about too many types of pets! While they form strong connections to the people in their lives, they can also be described as moody.

Umbrella cockatoos can be extremely playful one second and then turn on a dime and bite and scream the next. Let's just say that umbrella cockatoos are not among the quietest pet birds. Keep in mind that they typically don't do well with big changes or major shifts in their routine, like new family members (aka babies) or new daily schedules. If you are prepared for an occasionally fair-weather friend who is nevertheless fascinating and quite fond of their companions, the umbrella cockatoo may be an option for you.

As the umbrella cockatoo is on the larger side for a pet bird, they need a considerable amount of room. Their cages should be as large as possible, big enough that there's room for a play stand, like MCage's Wrought Iron Parrot Play Gym. A bird that is kept in too small of a space is at risk of injuring themselves or getting sick. Ideally, you can also include some enrichment objects like swings, ladders, and chew toys that exercise their beak to keep them occupied. They also require 10-12 hours of sleep every night and regular baths to control the dust from their down.

You're probably wondering what an umbrella cockatoo can and can't eat. Nutritious pellets made for cockatoos should make up the bulk of their diet, but because they are natural foragers, they should also be supplied with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and wholesome grains like quinoa. These should make up about 20% of their overall food intake. Nuts can be given as an occasional treat. Like most other pets, umbrella cockatoos should also have access to fresh water at all times.

Intelligent, playful birds like the umbrella cockatoo need lots of exercise and mental stimulation every day to the tune of two hours minimum outside of their cages. This will stop your cockatoo from screaming for attention. They can learn games like rolling a ball back and forth and tricks like saying words. Cockatoos love routine, so it's a great idea to schedule their playtime and stick to that schedule. Overall, these birds are great, long-lived friends if given enough care and attention.