Goffin’s Cockatoo

Cacatua goffiniana Tanimbar Islands • Clever Little White Cockatoo
IUCN Status
Near Threatened
The Goffin’s Cockatoo (Cacatua goffiniana), also known as the Tanimbar Corella, is a small, intelligent, and highly playful white cockatoo from the Tanimbar Islands of Indonesia. It is one of the smallest cockatoo species, making it more manageable than its larger relatives. Famous for its exceptional problem-solving abilities, curious nature, and clown-like personality, Goffin’s Cockatoo is an outstanding talker and mimic. It is affectionate, energetic, and thrives on mental stimulation and social interaction.

General Description

Common Name Goffin’s Cockatoo (Tanimbar Corella)
Latin Name Cacatua goffiniana
Family Cacatuidae • Cockatoos
Adult Size 30–32 cm (12 in)
Weight 250–350 g
Life Span 40–60+ years in captivity
Sexual Maturity 4–6 years
Clutch Size 2–3 eggs
Gender Difference Minimal visual dimorphism. Males are slightly larger with broader beaks; DNA testing is recommended.
Natural Habitat Tropical forests, forest edges, and agricultural areas on the Tanimbar Islands.
Origin / Range Tanimbar Islands (Indonesia), specifically Yamdena and Larat.
Care Level Intermediate • Highly intelligent and needs plenty of enrichment and social time
Cacatua goffiniana - Goffin’s Cockatoo
Cacatua goffiniana • Adult showing white plumage and small size

TANIMBAR CORELLA • SMALL, CLEVER & PLAYFUL

Subspecies & Plumage

The Goffin’s Cockatoo is currently considered monotypic (no recognised subspecies).

Key Plumage Features

This small white cockatoo has pure snowy-white plumage with a short, rounded crest that it raises when excited. It features a pale salmon-pink blush on the face and under the wings, and a distinctive pale blue-grey eye-ring. The beak is pale horn-coloured and powerful for its size. The overall appearance is clean and delicate compared to larger white cockatoos.

Juveniles are very similar to adults but may show slightly greyer tones and less defined eye-rings. Goffin’s Cockatoos are renowned for their exceptional intelligence and problem-solving skills — they are often compared to small dogs in their ability to learn tricks and manipulate objects.

Conservation Status: Near Threatened (IUCN Red List) — CITES Appendix II
Cacatua Genus
Tanimbar Islands (Indonesia)
Goffin’s / Tanimbar Corella