Ask Lafeber

Moluccan behavior

“What do you think makes the Moluccan Cockatoos so much more sensitive and inter-dependent?
Could there be a geographical reason? Perhaps something to do with the specifics of the island of Seram ?”

Hi Jeannie,

We know that parrot behavior in general is instinctive and linked to what they experience in the wild. Even captive bred birds have these instincts. However, wild caught Moluccans are very different than captive bred. They are not cuddly with their mate like captive bred will be with a human. And they are much more independent. In fact, while studies are greatly lacking, there does seem to be evidence that cockatoo mates part outside of breeding season, which would explain why male cockatoos are notorious for killing their mates in captivity. What is perceived as being more sensitive or even clingy likely has more to do with how the chicks are hand reared. Since they do have more of a tendency to be cuddly, owners encourage this by cuddling with them and little is done to encourage independence or confidence. We now understand that cuddling any parrot is not in their best interest because it isn’t a natural behavior they would experience from the parents or later by flock members. Within the flock, most mutual preening is limited to the head and neck. It isn’t until the bird has a bonded mate that any mutual preening of the body takes place. This leads to mating. Since we are not mates and can’t fulfill an adult bird’s needs, it is best to limit petting to a bird’s head a neck and not give into the cuddling that captive cockatoos learn to enjoy. And what one might perceive as interdependence likely has more to do with the type predators they face. Most parrot species seek strength in numbers. But it is likely more of a case that a bird’s individual survival odds are better if it is surrounded by more flock members rather than a psychological need to be surrounded by flock members. As with any prey animal, their strongest survival instinct is fight or flight.

Yes, everything our birds do is somehow linked to where their species originates. Most instincts are hard wired, but understanding these instincts is often taught by the parents or flock mates or learned within their natural environment. We know certain species are known for certain behaviors, but without the field research, we are left guessing as to why they exhibit some behavior.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda