Cockatoos are large, intelligent and attractive birds. Of the twenty-one recognized species, fourteen occur in Australia, with three of these also found in New Guinea. Seven species are distributed across the islands of south-east Asia. While many species are common or abundant, an increasing number face extinction due to habitat loss, the illegal bird trade and global warming.

This reference book on the cockatoo family provides a comprehensive physical description of the various species of this exotic parrot, the habitat they favor, and their distribution and behaviors both in the wild and in captivity. Their reproductive history is examined, as is the possibility of breeding sufficient numbers in captivity to develop sustainable populations for re-introduction to their original habitat should they become extinct in the wild. The book explores the historical encounters of the various species with Europeans two centuries ago. That early history provides considerable insight to the cockatoo's popularity and to efforts to breed them in captivity. Many cockatoo species face a perilous future. As their native forests are logged, the cockatoos lose not only suitable nesting and roosting sites, but native foods. Additionally, despite conservation laws governing the capture of wild cockatoos, their desirability as an avian pet has spawned a worldwide illicit trade critically endangering some species to the point that they face extinction in the wild.

Arby is a young cockatoo who finds the perfect family to live with, but then faces the challenge of a lifetime when everything falls apart. He learns the true meaning of sacrifice as he gives everything up for love. For Arby, life seems hopeless until he finds new friends and a new identity. His journey takes a strange country road as he becomes Arby the Singing Cockatoo! Meet Arby and his friends as he discovers that everything in life has purpose and meaning. Arby becomes the bird he was destined to be as he faces his fears and fi nally learns his true identity.

Explains how to select and care for a cockatoo, covering considerations before purchasing, housing and equipment, acclimation, diet, health, breeding, behavior, and other topics.

Looks at the birds most commonly owned as pets, including canaries, chickens, and pigeons, and offers advice on their care, feeding, and breeding.

In addition to information about cockatoos in general, each of the cockatoo species and subspecies is discussed in detail.

Repeat after me: Parrots aren’t just for pirates! While parrots have a historical reputation for being a pirate's best friend, in the modern-day U.S.—where birds are the nation’s third most popular household pet-thousands of landlubbers are in on the act! And that’s not surprising—parrots are as affectionate, friendly, and fun to be with as a dog or cat. They are also relatively low-maintenance, with no rude 5 a.m. awakenings with demands for food or punishing walks. Renowned avian care and behavior consultant Nikki Moustaki is your friendly guide to the colorful world of this intelligent and chatty pet. In this book, you'll be introduced to the vibrant diversity of the parrot world, which covers a wide variety of Psittacidae family members, including macaws, cockatiels, and parakeets. You'll also learn the best ways to choose, care for, and love your resplendently feathered companion. Pick your perfect parrot Devour the latest on nutrition Tame and train Make the perfect home Whether you're just setting out in the parrot world or are a seasoned voyager on the parrot-y seas, this 2nd edition of Parrots For Dummies has something for you and your pet—and will repay the hard-won pirate gold you spent on it a thousand times over!

Describes where parrots, macaws, and cockatoos live, what they eat, and how people can save them from extinction.