The American public fell in love with the cockatoo in the 1970s when one played Robert Blake's feathered sidekick on the popular TV show "Baretta". Since then, many people have wanted their own beautiful pastel-hued "Baretta bird" with a dramatic, flaring crest. Unfortunately, many would-be enthusiasts discover too late this intelligent breed's demanding nature. The large Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) in particular needs a great deal of attention to prevent neurotic tendencies. There are 17 other cockatoo species, ranging from popular pets such as the Umbrella Crested (Cacatua alba), Sulphur crested (Cacatua galerita), Lesser Sulphur Crested (Cacatua sulphurea) and Goffin’s (Cacatua goffini) to rare birds, such as the Black Palm (Probosciger a. aterrimus). Most cockatoos have gleaming-white plumage accented by yellow or rose-colored crest feathers. Like the cockatiel, a related but much smaller crested parrot, the cockatoo sheds a fine down some people find messy. 

Countries of origin: Mostly Australia and Indonesia. Size: Ranges widely, from the pint-size Goffin's to the Moluccan, one of the largest parrots. A midget among cockatoos, the Goffin's measures only 12.5 inches long and weighs less than 380 grams. Also on the small side: the galah (Eolophus r. roseicapillus), the lesser sulphur-crested (Cacatua sulphurea) and gang-gang (Callocephalon fimbriatum) cockatoos. The umbrella crested and greater sulphur-crested are large, at 18 inches and about 600 grams. But the imposing palm and moluccan are the true giants of the cockatoo world, at 27 and 20 inches, respectively, and over 1000 grams, or two pounds. 

Personality: Personable, affectionate, entertaining and highly intelligent. Largest species have especially powerful beaks and require plenty of hard chewing material. May be clingy and demanding of owners' attention; prone to feather plucking. Among the loudest of parrots, capable of high-decible screaming several times a day. 

Talking ability: Moderate to good. 

Average lifespan: Up to 70 years or longer.