Featured on television and in movies for years, the cockatoo is the most popular type of parrot kept as a pet. In this edition of Pet Pointers, Lisa Chelenza tells us more about them.

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Cockatoos are members of the parrot family, and while not as brightly colored as their macaw cousins, their white, black or grey feathers with yellow or red crops are just as beautiful. 11 of the 21 species of cockatoos are found only in Australia, with others scattered throughout the Philippines, Eastern Indonesian Islands, and Solomon islands.

These are intelligent, engaging, long living birds - some reports indicate they can live into their 80s and 90s. Cockatoos are monogamous breeders with pairs staying together for many years.

Cockatoos are also very social, as well as vocal. They are constantly communicating to others in their flock with their harsh squawking voices. Bird rescuer Dianna Beck tells us their natural instinct to communicate is part of the problem.

“They have a morning scream, an evening scream, they have a scream when they are hungry, a scream when they want attention,” said bird owner Diana Beck.

Many bird trainers and behaviorists believe a busy bird is a happier, slightly quieter bird. Playing soft background music, teaching them tricks, and giving them lots of enrichment toys can help tone down the noise and keep them from becoming bored and destructive.

Cockatoos can make great pets, but before you bring home any animal, do your own research and make sure you are up for a lifelong commitment and the challenge.