There are 21 known species of Cockatoos. Cockatoos belong the Cacatuidae bird family and are not considered a parrot. The geographic range of the Cockatoo species, as a whole, stretches north and south from Australia (their native habitat) to the Philippines and east and west from Singapore to Papua New Guinea.

Overall the Cockatoos are larger, on average, then a parrot. At 22-24 inches long the Palm Cockatoo is the largest bird in the entire Cockatoo family. The smallest of all Cockatoos is the Cockatiel at only 8-12 inches long.

A Cockatiel needs only a small cage while a palm Cockatoo needs a medium to large cage. However, the size of a cage is not just based on the bird size but also on the amount of birds in a single cage. Cockatoos drink lots of water and need light to find there food because they are diurnal.

Cockatoos are one of the longest living non-primate or reptilian species know to man, with a life span averaging 60-80 years for larger birds. Smaller birds like Cockatiels have much shorter life spans at only about 20 years, however 36 years is the recorded maximum.

Like Macaws, Cockatoos are better at squawking then talking and require a lot of attention. If you like the peaceful sound of chirping birds then a Cockatoo it not the right pet for you; you might want to try a Finch. Cockatoos like music of all kinds and some have the capability of beat indication.

Hand raised Cockatoos cost about $600-$2000 USD. A hand raised Cockatoo is better versus one at a pet store and is usually cheaper. Buying a Cockatoo from a breeder that has hand raised their birds helps to destroy the black market for the Cockatoo trade. Just like any other pet you should always take all their needs into consideration before buying. ~Anthony Benjamin~