Genus Cacatua moluccensis
Moluccan Cockatoos (Salmon Crested Cockatoo) are found in the Phillippines, and the Moluccan and Indonesia Islands. They're one of the largest of the cockatoo species at 20 inches. Moluccans are light pink to salmon colored with a beautiful large orange crest. The beak and legs are greyish black and the eyes are black in the male and dark brown in the female. Moluccans are social animals and live in small flocks.

Lifespan: 60 to 80 years

A handfed Moluccan Cockatoo makes a sweet tempered pet and possesses a temperament similar to an Umbrella Cockatoo.  Moluccans are light pink to salmon colored with a beautiful large orange crest.  The beak and legs are grayish black and the eyes are black in males and dark brown in females.  They are very beautiful, intelligent, lovable, and affectionate.  They can be taught many tricks and some are very good talkers.

One of the things unique to cockatoos is their unusual and magnificent crest. Cockatoos and Cockateils are the only members of the parrot family (psittacines) to have such an elaborate headdress, and they display it well. This crowning glory is one of the reasons that people are so enthralled by the cockatoos' beauty and are so attracted to these birds.

Crests are much more than an ornament. A major purpose of the crest is communication. A raised crest is a signal to another bird (or human), whether it be friend, mate or foe. In combination with other parts of the body, a cockatoo can indicate that it is defending it's territory, displaying for its mate, calling to the flock, defending the flock, expressing fear or frustration, telling the world "I'm Here", asking a question or just taking a stretch.

Conversely a lowered crest may indicate approachability, friendliness and a number of other non threatening situations. As one observes the various postures and listens to any accompanying vocalizations, it soon becomes clear what each one means.