Solomon cockatoo

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Solomon cockatoo
Solomon cockatoo

Solomon cockatoo

Systematics
Class : Birds (aves)
Order : Parrots (Psittaciformes)
Family : Cockatoos (Cacatuidae)
Genre : Real cockatoos ( Cacatua )
Type : Solomon cockatoo
Scientific name
Cacatua ducorpsii
Pucheran , 1853

The Solomon 's Cockatoo ( Cacatua ducorpsii ), also known as Ducorps' Cockatoo , is a species of parrot native to the Solomon Islands . It is one of the real cockatoos and is one of the smallest species of the genus , together with the Rotsteiß and Goffinkakadu .

Solomon cockatoos are generally forest dwellers, but have increasingly developed into cultural successors who also look for food in villages and on the outskirts of cities in the Solomon Islands.

Appearance

The Solomon Cockatoo reaches a height of 32 centimeters and weighs between 300 and 450 g. As is characteristic of the genus of the actual cockatoo, its plumage is predominantly white. Only a few head feathers are light salmon colored at their base. The undersides of the wings and tail are yellowish. The beak is brightly horn-colored. The iris is dark brown, the eye ring is featherless and bluish-white. The toes are gray.

There is no gender dimorphism . Females differ from males only in their rather reddish-brown iris, which only appears when they are around 2 years old. Animals not yet sexually mature are similar to adult birds.

  • Young animal at 10 weeks

  • Underside of the wing pale yellow in color

  • Light salmon-colored base of the head feathers

Habitat and food

Similar to the Moluccan Cockatoo and the Goffink Cockatoo, the Solomon Cockatoo is native to an equatorial climate. The average temperature in the Solomon Islands is 30 ° C. The amount of precipitation is subject to seasonal fluctuations, but the humidity is very high all year round. The habitat of the Solomon Cockatoos extends from the coastal swamp areas to the wooded and humid mountain regions of these islands. They can be found up to an altitude of 1,700 meters above sea level. The species is widespread in the Solomon Islands and is considered a crop pest. In the early morning and evening hours, many small groups of 5–8 birds each gather in fields (maize) and then invade the plantations in a large flock of sometimes over 100 birds.

In places where they do not live in the vicinity of human settlements, the Solomon Cockatoos' diet consists mainly of berries, fruits and flowers. Like many other cockatoo species, they also eat insects and their larvae.

Reproduction

There is very little information available about the way of life of the Solomon Cockatoo, especially when compared to the cockatoos native to Australia. However, the breeding season sets in at the time when rainfall increases. Solomon cockatoos are monogamous birds whose pairing lasts until one of the partners dies. They also seem to have high site fidelity. It is believed that breeding caves are used repeatedly by couples. The clutch usually consists of two to three eggs. The breeding season for Salomon Cockatoos kept in human care was 28 to 30 days.

Keeping in human care

Solomon cockatoo on a dari flask
Young animal while eating with, for its age, typical whining noises
Young animal in human care

The Solomon Islands belonged to the German colonies in the period before the First World War . During this time, some Solomon cockatoos also came to Germany. According to Dieter Hoppe , no more Salomon cockatoos were kept in Germany in the 1980s. The same applies to other countries; the Solomon cockatoo is considered to be the species of actual cockatoo that is least cared for. At the beginning of the 1990s, a German importer obtained permission for limited exports of some Solomon cockatoos. These specimens formed the basic European population of the species.

Solomon cockatoos should not be underestimated because of their size. They too can make considerable sounds. Like all cockatoos, they are very curious and like to nibble on objects, which can cause significant damage to furniture and other items. This can be remedied with fresh branches that are made available to the birds. Solomon cockatoos, like any parrot, should never be kept individually but always with an opposite-sex partner.

supporting documents

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Hoppe, p. 189.
  2. ↑ Hoppe, p. 187.
  3. ↑ Hoppe, p. 189.
  4. ↑ Hoppe, p. 189 and p. 190.
  5. ↑ Hoppe, p. 189 and p. 190.

literature

Web links

Commons : Solomon cockatoo ( Cacatua ducorpsii )  - Collection of images, videos and audio files