What does cockatoo mean?
A cockatoo is any of about twenty-one species of large, long-lived parrots belonging to the family Cacatuidae, found naturally across Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia, and neighbouring Pacific islands. Unlike most parrots, cockatoos are distinguished by an erectile crest of feathers on the head, which they raise when excited or alarmed, along with plumage that is typically white, grey, pink, or black rather than brightly multicoloured. Familiar species include the sulphur-crested cockatoo, the galah, and the black cockatoos. Cockatoos are highly intelligent, social, and famously vocal, and several species adapt readily to urban environments, where their raucous calls make them conspicuous. They are popular aviary birds, though their longevity — often fifty years or more — makes them a serious commitment. The word entered English in the seventeenth century from Malay via Dutch, and it remains strongly associated in the popular imagination with Australia, whose residents often regard the birds with affectionate exasperation.
nounA cockatoo is any of various large, crested parrots native to Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands, typically having predominantly white, grey, or black plumage and a prominent erectile crest.
- Any of various large crested parrots of the family Cacatuidae, native to Australia and surrounding regions.
"A sulphur-crested cockatoo perched on the veranda rail, screeching loudly at the magpies below."
"The sulphur-crested cockatoo is one of the most familiar and noisy birds in eastern Australia."
"She taught her pet cockatoo to whistle the opening bars of her favourite song."
The standard plural adds '-s'; there is no alternative plural form.
"Dozens of cockatoos descended on the orchard as soon as the fruit ripened."
Cockatoos can live 50 to 70 years in captivity — meaning your pet bird might well outlive you.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cockatoo
The word 'cockatoo' entered English in the early seventeenth century, borrowed through Dutch 'kakatoe' from Malay 'kakatua', the name for the bird in the East Indies where European traders first encountered it. It thus arrived in English alongside other words for exotic animals acquired through colonial-era trade routes rather than through classical Latin or Greek roots. The closely related 'cockatiel' was formed later as a diminutive of 'cockatoo' itself, reflecting the bird's smaller size within the same family.
How cockatoo is actually used
The plural is simply 'cockatoos'. The word is informal-neutral in register and appears commonly in both ornithological writing and everyday speech, particularly in Australia, where some species are regarded as noisy but charismatic urban birds.
Easily confused with cockatoo
A cockatiel is a small, slender Australian parrot closely related to but distinct from cockatoos, which are generally larger birds with more prominent crests.