What is a Goffin Cockatoo?

The Goffin cockatoo, or Cacatua goffini, is a relatively small cockatoo found only in Indonesia’s Tenimber Islands. Full-grown Goffin cockatoos are about a foot (.3048 meter) long and weigh about a pound (453 grams). They are primarily white with pink crest feathers usually only visible when the crest is erect. Males and females can be easily distinguished by their eye color—males have black irises while females have brown.

The bird, also known as Goffin’s cockatoo or the Tenimber cockatoo, is a member of the parrot family. The estimated Goffin cockatoo population is 300,000 to 400,000. This cockatoo is not listed as endangered in its natural habitat, although habitat loss and illegal trapping are decreasing its numbers. It sometimes can be legally culled due to its interference with crops and gardens. Gardeners and farmers often see the Goffin cockatoo as a pest, since its diet consists mainly of fruit, seeds, and nuts, though this bird occasionally eats insects.

This species of cockatoo congregates in small, loosely-organized flocks. Goffin’s cockatoos become sexually mature at 2 to 3 years of age. In the wild, females usually nest in the hollows of trees, laying a clutch of from two to six eggs. Both parents typically engage in incubating the eggs until they hatch in about a month.

The Goffin’s cockatoo is important to its natural forested habitat because it disperses seeds over a wide range through its fruit-eating behavior. This seed dispersal leads to increased plant yield and heightened ecological diversity. This smallest member of the parrot family is also prey for many native predators larger than itself.

The bird often lives up to 65 years. Since this pet often outlives its owner, many owners name guardians for their Goffin cockatoos in their wills. The Goffin cockatoo typically adapts easily to living with humans and is highly sought after as a pet in the United States and around the world. This cockatoo is considered relatively easy to train and is often shown in competitions. A natural mimic, the Goffin cockatoo can make animal sounds and imitate human speech. Many Goffin cockatoos are reported to react to music with dance-like movements such as bobbing and swaying.

Since it is typically playful and active in captivity, most Goffin cockatoo owners provide their pets with a variety of toys, bells, and ladders to keep them busy. When bored, this bird often pulls out its feathers, screeches loudly, or destroys the contents of its cage. Most pet experts suggest allowing the Goffin cockatoo to spend as much or more time outside its cage as inside it.

A Goffin Cockatoo, also known as Tanimbar Corella, is a smaller species of cockatoo native to the Tanimbar Islands in Indonesia. These intelligent and affectionate birds are known for their playful nature and ability to learn tricks. They have a predominantly white plumage with salmon-pink feathers around the eyes and beak, and they can live up to 40 years in captivity.

Goffin Cockatoos are relatively small compared to other cockatoos, reaching an average size of about 12 inches (30 cm) in length from the beak to the tip of the tail feathers. Despite their size, they have a strong presence and require ample space to play and exercise.

Goffin Cockatoos can make excellent pets for the right owner. They are known for their social and loving nature, but they require significant attention, mental stimulation, and social interaction. Potential owners should be aware that these birds can develop behavioral issues if neglected or bored, so they're best suited for those who can dedicate time and energy to their care.

Goffin Cockatoos should have a varied diet consisting of high-quality pellets, fresh fruits, vegetables, and occasional seeds or nuts. It's important to ensure they receive the right balance of nutrients to prevent health issues. Avian veterinarians often recommend limiting high-fat foods to maintain their optimal health.

Caring for a Goffin Cockatoo involves providing a spacious cage, daily social interaction, and mental stimulation through toys and puzzles. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor their health. They also need a consistent routine and a diet tailored to their specific needs. Proper care can help prevent common issues like feather plucking and screaming.

Goffin Cockatoos are capable of mimicking human speech, although they are not known to be as proficient as some other parrot species. With patience and consistent training, they can learn a variety of words and phrases. Their vocal abilities vary widely among individuals, with some being quite chatty and others more reserved.