Psittacus leucolophus, Lss.

The Greater White-crested Cockatoo (Ger., Weissgehaubter oder Weisshaubiger Kakadu, grosser weisser Kakadu, mit weisser Haube, Weisshauben-Kakadu; Fr., Grand Cacatois a huppe blanche; Dut., Witkuif Kakketoe) - Description.

This, again, is a species known from ancient times, which has been much written about and well described, and yet with regard to which many errors prevail, while, as to its habits, we have no knowledge. Even in Aldrovandi's work we find a picture of the Great White-crested Cockatoo, though, it is represented with an upright tail like that of a hen. Pigafetta also speaks of it, Brisson and Latham describe it minutely, and Bechstein, though shortly, speaks of it as a cage bird. As all unmeaning or inappropriate scientific names had been dropped, it was necessary to seek a new one, and the above name of Lesson's (1831) was applied to it. It is pure white, with a long, straight, broad crest, falling towards the back, without any yellow feathers; the quills and tail feathers are light yellow underneath; the beak black; the cere covered with white feathers; eyes black, dark-brown, or deep-red; a broad bluish-white naked circle round the eye; the feet blue-grey, with black scales and claws. Almost as large as a raven, but sometimes much smaller (length, 11 3/4in. to 14 1/8in.; wings, 10in. to llin.; tail, 5in. to 6 1/2in.).

Its habitat appears to cover a considerable region. It is found in the Eastern Moluccas, but over what extent is not yet known with certainty. The White-crested Cockatoo is said to speak better than other species. Lord Buxton, who bred a cross between this species and the Leadbeater Cockatoo, in freedom, in his park, thinks the White-crested Cockatoo is the most talented and least cunning of all. In particular, these birds develop an astonishing ingenuity in opening any kind of locks on cage doors or foot chains. Mr. A. E. Blaauw says, however, that it is among the worst screamers, and can really make a most distressing noise. It appears in the markets less frequently than its fellows.