Salmon-crested Cockatoo

Cacatua moluccensis Moluccas • Moluccan Cockatoo
IUCN Status
Vulnerable
The Salmon-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis), commonly known as the Moluccan Cockatoo, is one of the largest and most spectacular white cockatoos. It is famous for its dramatic salmon-pink crest, soft white body with a delicate salmon blush, and its loud, emotional personality. Highly intelligent, affectionate, and demanding of attention, this species forms extremely strong bonds with its owners. Due to extensive habitat loss and the pet trade, it is listed as Vulnerable in the wild, making responsible captive breeding essential for its conservation.

General Description

Common Name Salmon-crested Cockatoo (Moluccan Cockatoo)
Latin Name Cacatua moluccensis
Family Cacatuidae • Cockatoos
Adult Size 46–52 cm (18–20.5 in)
Weight 700–900 g
Life Span 50–80+ years in captivity
Sexual Maturity 5–7 years
Clutch Size 2–3 eggs
Gender Difference Minimal visual dimorphism. Males are slightly larger with broader beaks; DNA testing is recommended.
Natural Habitat Lowland rainforests and forest edges on the Moluccan Islands.
Origin / Range Endemic to the Moluccan Islands (Indonesia), primarily Seram, Ambon, and nearby islands.
Care Level Advanced • Very demanding of attention, space, and mental stimulation
Cacatua moluccensis - Salmon-crested Cockatoo
Cacatua moluccensis • Adult showing spectacular salmon crest

MOLUCCAN COCKATOO • ONE OF THE LARGEST WHITE COCKATOOS

Subspecies & Plumage

The Salmon-crested Cockatoo is currently considered monotypic (no recognised subspecies).

Key Plumage Features

This large cockatoo has snowy-white plumage with a dramatic, long salmon-pink to orange-red crest that it raises frequently. The body often shows a delicate salmon blush, especially on the chest and underwings. The beak is black and powerful, and the eyes are dark. When excited, the crest can appear almost fiery orange-red.

Juveniles have shorter, paler crests and less intense salmon coloration. Moluccan Cockatoos are known for being very loud, emotional, and demanding — they often scream when they want attention and are considered one of the “velcro” cockatoos due to their strong need for companionship.

Conservation Status: Vulnerable (IUCN Red List) — CITES Appendix II
Cacatua Genus
Moluccas (Indonesia)
Salmon-crested / Moluccan Cockatoo