A cockatoo is a type of parrot known for its dramatic crest of feathers that stands up on top of its head like a fancy crown or mohawk. When a cockatoo gets excited, scared, or wants attention, it raises this crest straight up. When it's calm, the crest lies flat against its head.

Cockatoos are native to Australia and nearby islands, and they're among the most intelligent and social birds in the world. They can live for 50 years or more, which means a cockatoo you meet as a child could still be around when you're a grandparent! Most cockatoos have white or pale pink feathers, though some species are gray or black.

These birds are famous for being incredibly playful and affectionate, but also loud and demanding. A pet cockatoo might learn to talk, dance to music, or solve puzzles to get treats. They form such strong bonds with their owners that they can become genuinely upset if left alone too long. In the wild, cockatoos live in large, noisy flocks and use their powerful curved beaks to crack open nuts and seeds.