cockatoo

/ˌkɑkəˈtu/

/ˈkɒkətu/

Other forms: cockatoos

A cockatoo is a noisy, sociable type of parrot that has a moveable crest on the top of its head. Because they're smart, funny,m and showy, cockatoos are often kept as pets.

Cockatoos are usually black and white, less colorful than other parrots, and they're generally bigger and louder too. One exception is the cockatiel, a type of cockatoo that's about 12 inches tall and is a very popular pet. Cockatoos are native to Australia, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands, where they nest in trees and feed on seeds, insects, fruit, and flowers. Their name comes from the Malay kakatua, which may derive from the sound these noisy birds make.

Definitions of cockatoo

1. noun

   white or light-colored crested parrot of the Australian region; often kept as cage birds
   types:

   Cacatua galerita, Kakatoe galerita, sulphur-crested cockatoo

   white cockatoo with a yellow erectile crest

   Kakatoe leadbeateri, pink cockatoo

   white Australian cockatoo with roseate tinged plumage

   type of:

   parrot

   usually brightly colored zygodactyl tropical birds with short hooked beaks and the ability to mimic sounds