Birdorable Major Mitchell's Cockatoo

We've recently added the Pink Cockatoo to Birdorable as our 616th species and our 94th parrot species. This pretty bird is also commonly known as the Major Mitchell's Cockatoo.

Parrots are known for their longevity, and one particular famous Major Mitchell's Cockatoo recently celebrated his 82nd hatchday. Cookie is a handsome male bird who has lived at Chicago's Brookfield Zoo since the zoo opened in 1934.

Cookie was hatched on June 30, 1933, in his native Australia. The Guinness Book of Records recognizes Cookie as the oldest living parrot; the average lifespan for Major Mitchell's Cockatoos in captivity is 40-60 years. Cookie has smashed this record by a significant margin.

Here is video of Cookie's latest birthday celebration, which took place at Brookfield Zoo.

In a recent research study, it was discovered that cockatoos would exhibit self-control in order to receive a prized nut. Self-control was previously thought to be exclusively practiced by animals with larger brains.

Birdorable Goffin's Cockatoo with nuts

Researchers at the University of Vienna gave Goffin's Cockatoos pecan nuts. The birds that waited up to 80 seconds were able to trade up for a more tasty prize: a cashew nut. Here is a video of one of the Goffin's Cockatoos that participated in the study, Muppet, impatiently waiting for his cashew. To learn more about the study, read further here: These bird brains exercise some self-control.

Here is a new Birdorable coloring page for some cute coloring fun: the Palm Cockatoo. Go to Coloring Pages to download the new free PDF. You can visit the Birdorable Palm Cockatoo page to check the colors.

Birdorable Palm Cockatoo Coloring Page

This download will be available until 1 August 2011. Check here for more coloring pages. Subscribe to the Birdorable Blog by RSS feed or by email to get notified when new downloads like this are added. Have you used our coloring pages at home, in your classroom, or at an event? We’d love to hear about it! Send us photos of the pages in action, or the final result – we may showcase them on our blog!

The Bird with Many Names: Celebrating the Goffin's Cockatoo

Birdorable Goffin's Cockatoo

In the ornithological world, a name is more than just a label; it's a key to a species' history, characteristics, and sometimes, its quirks in taxonomy. The Goffin's Cockatoo, also known as Goffin's Corella or the Tanimbar Corella, is a perfect example of this, with a nomenclature as rich and engaging as its personality. Since joining the Birdorable family in August 2009, this striking white bird has captivated enthusiasts with both its beauty and its unique story.

Native to the Tanimbar Islands in Indonesia, the Goffin's Cockatoo boasts a pristine white plumage contrasted with subtle touches of salmon-pink and light yellow under its wings. A popular bird in aviculture since the 1970s, it's hard to believe that it was only formally recognized by science in the year 2004. This late scientific description is a nod to the complexity and ongoing discovery within the world of ornithology.

The bird's journey from discovery to formal description is a tale of mistaken identity worthy of a detective novel. Although the German naturalist Otto Finsch first observed the bird in the 1860s, it was a case of mistaken identity that led to confusion with the Solomons Cockatoo. It wasn't until much later that the Goffin's Cockatoo was correctly identified as its own distinct species. This bird's name pays homage to Finsch's Dutch friend, Andreas Leopold Goffin, adding a personal touch to its scientific legacy.

Regardless of the name you choose to call it, the Goffin's Cockatoo remains a beloved member of the bird community. Its playful nature, intelligence, and affectionate demeanor make it a favorite among bird lovers. The Birdorable version of the Goffin's Cockatoo captures its adorable essence, with a cartoon-like representation that highlights the bird's charming crest and inquisitive eyes.

Cute Tanimbar Corella Gifts