Ducorps Cockatoos, quieter than most Cockatoos, make sweet pets. They remain quite rare in aviculture, however.
Ducorps Cockatoos are sweet,
quiet birds. They may attack their peers in small aviaries, and thus should notbe
kept in communities. In the wild, they are relatively non-social also and are
generally found in pairs, although occasionally they are seen in small groups
containing eight birds or less. In the wild, Ducorps Cockatoo perch in the
tallest trees and when they do come down to the ground to drink or feed, they
are very cautious. Lookout birds are stationed in nearby trees and if they feel
threatened, the entire group will fly off screeching. Ducorps Cockatoos eat
nuts and seeds, fruits and vegetation. On occasion they will descend in large
numbers on local agricultural plantations and cause a great deal of damage;
however, they are never harmed by farmers. In aviculture, Ducorps Cockatoos
need an aviary of at least 12 by six by six feet in dimension. Although they are
relatively hardy, they must be protected from winter frosts. In captivity,
Ducorps Cockatoos do well when fed fresh fruits and vegetables, oats, safflower
and sunflower seeds, rice, wheat and buckwheat. They need regular vitamin and
mineral supplements and plenty of fresh water at all times. Ducorps Cockatoos
also enjoy fresh branches sprouted with buds and leaves. In the summer, they
should be supplemented with pigeon food and sprouted wheat, sunflower and
safflower. Ducorps Cockatoos are very good at talking, although they are fairly
quiet as a rule. The Ducorps Cockatoo is reported to be quite intelligent and
playful in captivity. And they are also said to be quite adaptable around new
people. They should be given plenty of toys to keep them from getting bored.
They are also reported to be excellant escape artists! So this should be kept in
mind when housing them. Some owners have resorted to using mini-locks on their
cages to prevent unwanted breakouts.
Ducorps Cockatoos grow to about 13 inches in length. They have predominantly white plumage although sometimes the hidden bases of the head and breast feathers have a carnation pink base. Their crests are round and very broad. Ducorps Cockatoos have pale yellow undersides to their wings and tails. Their feet are gray and their bills are grayish-white. Males have dark brown or black irises, while females have more red coloration in their irises.
Ducorps Cockatoos are quite rare in aviculture. They are native to the Solomon Islands, where from time to time they may cause considerable damage to local banana, papaya, and sweet potato plantations. Nevertheless, the inhabitants of the islands never harm these lovely birds. Their range covers forests and forest edges, mostly, and even extends into the lower edges of the cloud forests below 5,700 feet in elevation.