Sam Foster
Avian Consultant
Specializing in Cockatoo Care and Behavior

Behavioral Anatomy of the Male Cockatoo

by Sam Foster

This article is reprinted from The Pet Bird Report, with permission from the author.

There are abundant behavioral suppositions concerning the male cockatoo. Much to the discredit of these intelligent and resourceful creatures, various allegations have begun to permanently label them as undesirable, problematic and inappropriate pets. The dissection of their behavioral anatomy, and the study of current terminology and definitions, will help distinguish fact from fiction.

            Mature male cockatoos are frequently categorized by pet owners as "super males" or by other "catch" terms. I believe the time has come to propose the development of a detailed classification to more accurately identify what I see as the three predominant personality types in companion cockatoos. I will refer to these as the super male (a phrase coined years ago by Sally Blanchard), the prototypal male and the pliant male.

            My personal experience and research suggest that super birds, contrary to the beliefs of some, are the exception, not the rule. However, they are the male cockatoos we most frequently hear people discussing in less than favorable terms.  At the opposite end of the spectrum is the pliant male, which is the personality many people seek when purchasing any cockatoo, male or female.  While in reality, the percentage who exhibit uniform, long-term traits of the pliant cockatoo also seem to be a minority, this has become a widespread definition of the "typical" cockatoo personality, regardless of species.

            We are eminently aware that environmental elements and varying manners of human interaction significantly influence a parrot's behavior in captivity. Here, our avian charges face the perpetual challenge of contending with natural behaviors in an unnatural setting.  In addition, further pressure is at times placed upon these wild creatures to behave in accordance with our traditional interpretation of the word "pet."  Without a clear understanding of instinctive versus learned avian behaviors, we may unintentionally create or compound problems with our cockatoo companions through what I entitle "human engineering."

            Let us first consider the role of the male cockatoo in the wild, which is both relevant and significant to their behavior in a domestic environment. The two most fundamental and interdependent avian instincts are those for survival and propagation. Therefore, the physical, intellectual and emotional makeup of these birds is geared to help them succeed in those objectives, and in the continuation of their species. This circle of life has endured through millions of years of evolution, meteorological changes, predatory threats and more recently, captivity.

            The will to survive begins as a hatchling battles its way out of the egg, driven by an intrinsic force to escape those confines. In a clutch with multiple chicks, siblings compete for food, warmth and security, even before their eyes open. This time in the nest provides abundant learning opportunities, while also providing a backdrop for the initial personality development of each individual fledgling. 

            Preparations for life in the wild continue as young cockatoos leave the nest and begin the task of learning successful survival techniques from their parents and other family and flock members.  In the months that follow, a combination of instinctive and learned behaviors mold the behavioral profile of young cockatoos. 

            As they instinctively assimilate the activities and interactions of their family unit or flock, they eventually begin to confront the challenges of everyday life with more confidence and independence. There are, however, various "lessons" that must ultimately be learned through trial and error, such as attracting a desired mate.

            This selection process lies predominantly with the male cockatoo, who will identify and then "court" the object of his affection. How and when this selection process takes place may vary depending upon the species, the family unit in which the bird is reared, age, the flock he inhabits, mate availability and environmental influences. Some adolescents maintain close family ties with parents and siblings for quite a long time, and may not develop any type of bond with a non-family member until the initial stages of sexual maturity. In other instances, bonds are formed among young cockatoos living within a large flock, perhaps even with a bird of the same gender. When instincts prevail, and direct a young parrot to seek out a long-term mate, these pairs will typically relinquish that kinship, although some youthful male/female bonded pairs may remain together and form long-term monogamous relationships. 

            The quest for a mate is not always simple, or successful. There may be times when competition is fierce, and younger males must not only rival others of their own age for available females, but also older, more knowledgeable and experienced cockatoos who have lost a mate, or found their previous partner incompatible for some reason. This is a critical stage in the personality development of the male cockatoo, when the battle of wills, the test of physical strength, the demonstration of dominance, and the art of intimidation intermesh to accomplish a result. It can also be a frustrating time. Even when there is a wide field from which to choose, and a potential mate is selected, there is no guarantee that a male cockatoo's feelings will be reciprocated. When faced with rejection, he may initially continue in his pursuit of a particular female. However, if the natural instinct to breed is compelling, he will continue in his search for a responsive mate.

            At that point, the entire circle of life begins anew, with survival, producing offspring and defense of self, family and territory constituting the basis of their daily existence. Influencing their intellectual and emotional abilities to meet these objectives, are early memories of parental care, tenderness and nurturing in the nest, the fledging and weaning experiences, sibling competition and camaraderie, observations of male/female relationships, flock interactions and conduct...and of course, instincts.

            I think it is important for us to remember that each new day is a test for these creatures in their native habitats. It is easy for us to idealize their existence in the wild, thinking only of their gracefulness and beauty, and their obvious delight when interacting with members of their own species. What we might overlook are the consistent struggles and dangers, including the threat of predators, the daily search for adequate food and water, the battle for nesting sites in areas where deforestation and the encroachment of man have critically limited availability, endemic diseases, the risk of capture, and natural disasters such as drought, fire, cyclones and flooding. Yet, nature has bestowed upon these species the innate ability and intelligence to recognize and escape some of these situations, to persevere through many others, and in certain instances to adapt and change their diet or lifestyles. In addition to these "gifts" of nature, one of the greatest assets of the male cockatoo is the ability to display dominance. 

            If we now look at male companion cockatoos, and consider those instinctive and learned behaviors that have long been among the keys to survival, how can we assume that they do not still play a major role in the reactions and mannerisms we witness during the course of our daily interactions? 

            In the United States the Umbrella, Moluccan, Goffin's and Medium Sulphur-crested are four of the most popular cockatoo pets. It is therefore not surprising that much of the current information pertaining to cockatoos is based upon experiences and observations related to these birds. However, we must avoid speculations that might result from biased and incomplete data. Keep in mind that there are numerous species of cockatoos, and some behaviors and personalities among them can contrast significantly. To consider all cockatoo species as undifferentiated would be as erroneous as labeling all male cockatoos super birds. 

            As we further scrutinize the male disposition, similarities as well as incongruities appear. The result is an increasing appreciation of the diversity and complexity of these creatures, how much we still have to learn, and how currently missing information might significantly impact the long-term success of the human/avian relationship. For the purpose of uniform comparisons and to alleviate the need to qualify each situation, let us speculate that all companion male cockatoos discussed in the following three sections have been raised in comparable settings and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

The Pliant Male Cockatoo

            There are those who doubt the existence of this bird. But those caregivers who can attest to their authenticity are often just as surprised and fascinated by the reality of the super male. Among the cockatoo species where mature males appear, in general, to possess a relatively amiable and temperate demeanor, are the Rose-breasted, Greater Sulphur-crested, Bare-eyed, Lesser Sulphur-crested and several of the black cockatoos, particularly the Glossy and Banksian. However, that does not preclude males of any other cockatoo species from the ranks of the pliant males, including the Umbrella, Moluccan, Goffin's, Major Mitchell's, Medium Sulphur-crested or Slender-billed Corella.

            The behavior of these gentle, unassertive, and often exceedingly affectionate individuals seems something of a contradiction to their wild counterparts. For example, accounts of healthy, well-adjusted mature male Umbrella, Goffin's or Moluccan Cockatoos who have never bitten or shown any dominant traits may seem unbelievable. Stories of six- or seven-year-old Major Mitchell's or Galahs who happily and frequently play hide and seek or "I'm gonna' get you!" on the floor and never succumb to a fascination with human feet, or who welcome diverse interactions with family members and visitors, may also raise skepticism.

            Having given this issue a great deal of consideration and investigation, my hypothesis is that the inherent temperate personality of the pliant male may result in a behavioral anatomy that is more the product of learning than instincts, and that the psychological bewilderment often experienced by companion cockatoos when genetics battle the conditions of life in a domestic environment, is somehow absent. In a situation where human interaction has been consistent, and fear, confusion and stress have been minimized, this positive learning may cultivate natural traits of the pliant male.

            Does this creature exist in the wild? Fundamentally, yes. However, the elements involved in his learning and maturing process would differ dramatically, fine-tuning his instincts for survival in the wild and molding his personality toward the prototypal male.

The Prototypal Male Cockatoo

            The largest percentage of all companion male cockatoos fall into this category, and this is the personality that I believe is most characteristic of male cockatoos in the wild. Although species' characteristics of the prototypal male vary to some degree, the pattern of behavior is fairly consistent.  As a rule, adolescent behavior is similar to that of female cockatoos. In fact, there are recurrent reports of astonishment when "she," judging from conduct and mannerisms, is discovered to be "he."

            The prototypal male, like the super male, may at some stage exhibit a seemingly sudden and unexplainable change in human preference within a multiple-person household. Such behavior typically begins as the bird approaches sexual maturity, and is often a result of the instinctive urge to withdraw from the security of the family unit and select a new "mate." In certain cases, the "broken" or altered bond with a formerly favored person may take a great deal of time and understanding to rebuild. Realistically, when we recall natural behaviors, an exact duplication of the previous relationship may be unattainable. 

            There will also come a time when the male feels compelled to validate his position within the flock and claim certain territories. The first attempts to manifest dominance may be awkward, and often appear in the form of lunging or beak "thumping."

            Domestic backdrops for this inaugural "testing" are many and might include one of the following scenarios.  Perhaps a spouse or other family member approaches the bird, who is sitting on the arm or shoulder of his chosen human mate, and the bird instinctively feels the need to defend his "territory".  Or, the human reaches under a blanket, or into a box or another perceived nesting site where the bird is playing, sleeping or hiding, only to receive an unexpected bite. Maybe the bird determinedly climbs down from a perch or piece of furniture in order to chase an "intruder" from the room. There may be a time when the human routinely, and innocently, reaches into the cage to replace food or water, or to clean the cage, only to find that the cockatoo is eager to show them that they are not welcome inside the cage at that moment. Or, a couple sits on the sofa while the bird contentedly cuddles with one of them, and the second person suddenly finds the bird's beak firmly attached to an arm or hand.

            Some of these incidents might be isolated, while others are repeated over a period of time, then subside as abruptly as they began. These behaviors may or may not occur again in months or years to come, although when they do, the pattern and cycle are often predictable.

            Once the maturing process is completed, the adult prototypal males often continue to display many of the beloved characteristics that captivate our spirit and imagination when they are young. Unfortunately, a substantial percentage of these birds are incorrectly labeled super males by caregivers who mistakenly interpret initial or routine "testing" as a truly dominant personality type.  

The Super Male Cockatoo

            In previous articles I have made reference to this unique and extraordinary product of nature. These are the male cockatoos who have my utmost admiration and respect. Having lived with a number of these birds, I am filled with a sense of awe when able to pragmatically reflect on how this dominant trait is effectively employed to demonstrate their supremacy and ensure their survival. 

            How do we define this pet we call the super male? In my opinion, these are the males who consistently display traits including dominance, territorialism or protectiveness toward an object(s) or person(s), where the behavior is not the result of human engineering. What often surprises, and disappoints, the caregiver is the abruptness with which their "cuddly little angel" suddenly "bites for no reason at all" and becomes an "aggressive, foot-chasing, flesh eating monster."         

            There is no doubt that the majority of companion cockatoo owners are ill-prepared to face the formidable challenges presented by these super males. This realization has produced and perpetuated four widespread viewpoints. The first of these beliefs is that "male cockatoos do not make good pets." The second states that "the only way to 'control' a super male cockatoo is with authority." The third proclaims that "once a male cockatoo shows aggressive behavior or bites 'without warning,' he can never be trusted again." And the final, much too common attitude, is that "super males belong only in a breeding program."         

            The question is, are these statements fact or fiction? I fervently believe each of these to be false. Does that mean that I feel all male cockatoos are consummate pets, or that every home and lifestyle is appropriate for these birds? Certainly not. 

            One of the most frequent questions I am asked is, "If a male cockatoo truly is a super bird, is there any hope that he will change or mellow through the years?" The answer to that question typically lies not with these individual cockatoos, but with the humans caring for them. 

            It invariably seems that people experience their most problematic moments with these birds during breeding season; and yes, there is always the possibility that with each year any male will be less affected by nesting instincts. Yet, the super male is driven by more than hormonal influences.

            I believe that the "true" super male cockatoos are those who are the most assertive, the most determined, and the most confident. There is also evidence that many of these same males are physically superior, often among the largest of their species, and highly intelligent. As such, they would be well suited to vie for the position of a flock leader in the wild. 

            Throughout the lives of our pet super male cockatoos, instinctive attempts to dominate may peak and ebb. Yet, assertiveness is an important element of their mature behavioral anatomy, and one that we must learn to recognize. Herein also lies a difference between the true super males and those erroneously labeled as such, due to aggressive behavior in the home environment...aggression that is most likely the result of human engineering.

            Let me clarify my interpretation of the terms "flock leader" and "dominance." I do not believe, nor have I seen any evidence to substantiate, that there is one "alpha" bird in a cockatoo flock.  Rather, it appears that the large flocks characteristic of numerous, but not all, cockatoo species, are composed of a number of mini-flocks. These smaller groups might consist of family units, immature single birds or bonded pairs who have formed their own social structure within an adult assemblage, elders or pairs who no longer breed, adult birds who have either lost a mate or never paired, and in isolated cases, birds who have been ostracized from the primary flock for some reason.

            Each of these sectors may have a flock leader, who is the most dominant male in the group.  This natural behavior is not aggression. It is important to understand that in the wild, birds continually engage in varying degrees of verbal and physical competition to determine dominance or superiority. These squabbles often include boisterous vocalizations, beak "battles," and giving chase. Regular challenges can develop regarding a potential mate, a nesting site, a morsel of food, a position on the tree branch, a favored watering spot, a leafy branch to shred or an interesting spot for digging. 

            While backing down or fleeing is a sign of momentary acquiescence to the more stalwart bird, this deference may be short lived, indicating that the flock leader of "today" is not necessarily the flock leader of "tomorrow"...an important lesson for those sharing their lives with these special creatures.

Closing

            Beyond adolescence and sexual maturity, throughout their lives as companion parrots as they experience new situations and relationships, individual cockatoos may exhibit myriad behaviors. Certainly, some personality variances seem to emerge quite suddenly, and we have all heard people bemoan the "overnight" change in their bird's disposition. However, if we are attentive and objective in our daily observations, and regard nature and instincts as valid ingredients of the behavioral anatomy, there are frequently signals that precede inherent "mutations." 

            You may wonder if there a method to ensure that if you purchase a male cockatoo, it will be a pliant male? Some would lead us to believe that the future of aviculture lies in genetic engineering and the ability to "guarantee" the personalities and behaviors of companion parrots, making them "easier" to live with. Is the hidden instigator behind this school of thought an attempt to make parrots a more marketable and profitable commodity, or perhaps to see all members of the general population as potential owners, and through this genetic engineering relieve them of any personal responsibility for the actions of their avian charges? If so, what happens when one day "nature finds a way," and the complacent, unprepared and unenlightened caregiver is suddenly faced with the reality of true avian genetics? 

            My personal question would be - should the future concentration of breeders and aviculturists be on the perfection of genetic engineering? Is it not more realistic, more munificent and more beneficial to these feathered companions, and to the future of our human/avian coexistence, to focus these energies on positive human engineering, furthering the development of successful long-term relationships based upon research, knowledge and understanding?                                           

(Note: Sam's article titled "Cockatoo Aggression", in PBR Issue #44, further details natural dominance and learned aggression.)

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