Moluccan Cockatoo       Many experts who specialize in studies of parrot behavior agree that Cockatoos exhibit the most intelligent behavior of the entire parrot family. Though their talking ability is far from outstanding, the Cockatoos more than make up for this lack by their other pleasing ways. Cockatoos originated on the islands of the South Pacific: Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, New Zealand, New Guinea, and Australia. There are over 40 varieties of Cockatoos. The most commonly known are the Greater Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, the Medium Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, the Lesser Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, the Citron, the Umbrella Cockatoo, the Galah or Rose Breasted Cockatoo, the Moluccan, the Goffin and the Bare Eyed Cockatoo. Probably the most recognized is the Sulfur Crested Cockatoo. This species was made famous by the bird "Fred" on the TV show "Barretta", and the high wire bicycle rider and performer at Parrot Jungle in Miami. "King Tut", a Moluccan, is the geriatric Official Greeter at the San Diego Zoo. King Tut who is blind and over 65-year old, still works every day from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. He recognizes the voices of some of the zoo's regular visitors and obviously enjoys basking in patches of sunlight that filter through the trees surrounding his perch in the Dryer Flamingo Lagoon.      The Cockatoo is the feathered teddybear of the parrot world. They love to be touched and scratched on the back of the neck by their chosen human. Their great sense of curiosity also makes it most amusing to watch a Cockatoo examine any new object placed in it's cage. However, an enormous amount of dexterity is possessed by these playful creatures and as a result, locks on cages are often a challenge happily accepted and conquered.      An additional characteristic of this parrot is its vanity. Cockatoos seem to know just what a beautiful picture they present and they will display their wings and toss their heads to achieve positions designed to give an observer the most beautiful possible view. At such moments their crests are usually raised and displayed for the edification of admirers. Unfortunately, if one should fail to notice this display or if the owners back is turned, a loud scream will immediately attract his and everyone else's attention. In addition, if the cockatoo is not satisfied with something (anything) he will raise the feathers around his beak almost hiding it in an attempt to look as pathetic as possible. In his opinion this will surely bring the proper response he feels he deserves. As you can see, care must be taken with this parrot, especially as a youngster, in order to assure that affection lavished on him is not overdone. If this parrot gets used to a lot of attention and other things start to occupy his owner's time, the cockatoo will become not only emotionally distraught, but frequently very loudly so. Cockatoos are capable of very loud screams, which are mostly to announce sunrise, sunset, and to let the world know what fun their having at play. They seem to feel this is their duty and won't be denied. An unhappy Cockatoo can be even more vocal.      To maintain health the food and water dishes must be scrubbed daily with hot water (no soap) and the cage must be kept clean. The diet of Cockatoos must be varied to ensure plenty of nutrition and fuel for this energetic parrot. A good pellet mixture with some seed and lots of fresh water is the basic start. Adding plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and soaked beans to his daily diet will help ensure his health. Avoid chocolate, caffeine, nicotine, aerosols, smoking and anything with fumes as these things are very toxic to all birds. An occasional bite of human food is fine but be very careful about temperature of the food. The Cockatoo's cage must be large enough to allow for a lot of wing flapping without striking the cage bars.      Cockatoos must have a lot of room and toys to chew on and play with. This is especially so if the family is a working one and he must be left alone for most of the day. In addition, if they are not supplied with wood to chew, they are more than happy to help themselves to what is available in your home. When out of the cage, they can be powerful flyers and therefore they should have their wings clipped to avoid crashing into walls and windows. The Cockatoos have short tails and for this reason they cannot stop in flight quickly.      The Cockatoos are the most long-lived of parrots and have a life expectancy comparable to humans. There are documented cases of Cockatoos who have lived into their 80s. Your Cockatoo will live a long and happy life with a lot of care and love, so when you obtain one of these charming avian companions, be prepared for a lifelong friend and make arrangements in the event he outlives you. ??