The Recursive Crest

The recursive crest is magnificent and  truly something to 
be  seen.   Unlike the recumbent crests which consist of broad
straight  feathers, the recursive crest feathers are narrow and
curved.   When the crest is raised,  the curved feathers
become erect and appear to bend forward, towards the front
of the head.

When the crest is lowered, the feathers lay  back, one over
the other,  pointing towards  the  tail.   The curved ends are 
slightly  raised from the body, so even when at rest, the crest
is a noticeable feature.   Three species of Cockatoos  boast
these  unusual crests:  the Leadbeaters (Major Mitchell's),  the
Greater Sulphur Crested and the  Lessor  Sulphur  Crested.

The recursive crest is found on all six  sub-species of  the
Lessor  Sulphur  Crested:  abbotti,  citrinocristata (Citron),
djampeana,  occidentalis,  parvula  (Timor)  and  sulphurea
(Lesser Sulphur  Crested) as well as on all four sub-species
of  the Greater  Sulphur  Crested:  galerita  (Greater  Sulphur  Crested or GSC), eleonora  (Eleonora,  sometimes  called  Medium Sulphur Crested or  MSC),  fitzroyi and triton (Triton).

Most  striking of all is the crest of the Leadbeater's  or 
Major  Mitchell's  Cockatoo.  The  crest  is  white at  the  tips
and  pale pink  at  the  base.   There are three stripes of 
striking color in the center of each feather,  a yellow  band
flanked  by  two  bands of red, one on either side.  These 
colors  are easily  visible,  even  when the crest  is down.

The Recumbent Crest

The recumbent crest,  while not  as  glorious as the recursive,
is still very striking, especially  when multi-colored, as on  the
Moluccan  Cockatoo.  Recumbent crests consist of broad
straight  feathers  which, when raised,  appear  to open like an
umbrella and fan out.

When the crest  is lowered,  the feathers fold back, one over 
the other and  the crest  seems to disappear.  Umbrella
Cockatoos  (White Cockatoos) and Moluccan Cockatoos
(Salmon Crested)  have the largest  and  fullest  recumbent 
crests, while  the  Palm  Cockatoo's  is long and spiny. 

Most of the remaining Cockatoo species have shorter, 
modified recumbent crests.
 

The Palm Cockatoo is unique in many aspects, including
its  very  long  and abundant  black  crest.  It is made up of 
many  spiny,  backward  curving,  feathers.   The Palm is the 
largest of the Cockatoos.  Its long crest and large head
combine, to give this gentle bird, an awkward appearance.
 

Included for comparison is a picture of  the Cockatiel crest.
Cockatiels are  the small cousins of  the Cockatoos and share 
many of their distinctive features.  Cockatiel crests are mildly  recursive.

Characteristics and Personality

All Cockatoo Parrots have a massive crescent shaped
beak for cracking nuts,  digging up roots and prying grubs 
from wood; in addition to having a worm-like tongue to assist
them with these tasks. Cockatoos are generally  treetop, hole
nesting  birds. when in their native habitat.
 

Cockatoos are highly social birds.  It is natural for  them
to  seek companionship and to frequently communicate with 
others of their flock.   If  your  family  has more than one bird,
of  any species,  your Cockatoo  will quite likely "communicate" 
with  it.
 

They are also very intelligent birds and require a great
deal of stimulation.  Cockatoos are not particularly  favored
for  traits such as talking, but admired for their  tremendous
affection  and loyalty.   They are highly animated birds and 
can be readily trained to do tricks.
 

They are extremely vocal birds that will call in the morning and  evening, and are not ideal as pets for apartment dwellers, for
this  reason.
 

Almost child-like in behavior your Cockatoo will require a great
deal of attention, but will quickly earn your love and  adoration!
The amount of attention that the Cockatoo demands, is much
more a pleasure and like spending time with a beloved member
of the family, than a task.

Cockatoos, well nicknamed "Toos"  are known as one 
of the most  affectionate species of Parrot.  In their natural 
habitat, they usually bond for life.  It is this characteristic
which endears them to us and allows them to so love humans.
 

Cockatoos  3
Palm Cockatoo, Umbrella Cockatoo, Triton Cockatoo,
Behavior & Characteristics! Cockatoo Clipart!
 

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