Cacatuoidea

Cacatuoidea is a superfamily of psittaciform birds, commonly known as cockatoos. This group is native to Australasia and is characterized by their distinctive crests, which can be raised or lowered, and their powerful, hooked beaks. Cockatoos are generally medium to large-sized birds, with a wide range of coloration, though most are predominantly white, gray, or black, often with vibrant accents on their crests, cheeks, or tails.

The superfamily comprises two families: Cacatuidae and Calyptorhynchidae. The Cacatuidae family includes the more familiar white cockatoos, such as the sulphur-crested cockatoo and the galah. The Calyptorhynchidae family, often referred to as black cockatoos, includes species like the red-tailed black cockatoo and the gang-gang cockatoo, which are typically darker in plumage.

Cockatoos are highly intelligent and social birds, often found in flocks. They are known for their complex vocalizations and their ability to mimic sounds, though their vocal repertoire is generally less varied than that of some other parrot species. Their diet consists mainly of seeds, nuts, fruits, and roots, which they use their strong beaks to access. Breeding typically involves monogamous pairs that build nests in tree hollows. Both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Due to habitat loss and the pet trade, some species of cockatoo are facing conservation challenges.