Bare-eyed Cockatoo

• ExerciseHigh

  Needs hours of out-of-cage activity and mental challenges every day.

• GroomingRegular feather care

  Regular bathing or misting plus nail and beak checks.

• Living spaceRoomy cage

  Needs a roomy cage and safe space to fly indoors.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment40–60 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Feather plucking · Respiratory issues · Obesity

The Bare-eyed Cockatoo (Cacatua sanguinea), known in Australia as the Little Corella, is a widespread inland Australian cockatoo that gathers in flocks of thousands. Among cockatoos it has a specific reputation: it is regarded as the cleverest of the group and the best talker, with clearer speech than a Sulphur-crested and a talent for mimicking household sounds precisely. At 370 to 630 grams it is a medium cockatoo with an unusually long lifespan. The personality is comedic and relentless. Corellas dance, roll on their backs, invent games and interact constantly, and they are less prone to the intense one-person obsession that makes Moluccans so fragile. The flip side is that this is an escape artist of the first order: they solve latches, unscrew fittings and open cage doors that hold other parrots, so locks are mandatory. They are loud, though somewhat less piercing than a Sulphur-crested, and they chew everything. House in a strong, well-locked flight cage or aviary with hardwood perches and heavy toy rotation, and give hours of interaction. Feed a pellet base with vegetables and greens; wild Corellas dig for roots, corms and grass seed, so ground foraging trays and root vegetables to shred suit them well. Keep seed and nuts limited, since obesity and fatty liver disease are the usual cockatoo problems. Provide bathing for the powder down, keep the air clean of non-stick fumes and aerosols, and see an avian vet yearly.

• How much activity does a Bare-eyed Cockatoo need?

  High. Needs hours of out-of-cage activity and mental challenges every day.

• How much feather care does a Bare-eyed Cockatoo need?

  Regular feather care. Regular bathing or misting plus nail and beak checks.

• What cage does a Bare-eyed Cockatoo need?

  Roomy cage. Needs a roomy cage and safe space to fly indoors.

• Is a Bare-eyed Cockatoo a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Bare-eyed Cockatoo live?

  40–60 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Bare-eyed Cockatoo?

  Keep an eye out for Feather plucking, Respiratory issues, Obesity. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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