The Citron-crested Cockatoo, Cacatua sulphurea citrinocristata, is the smallest of the Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoos subspecies. They are critically endangered in their native range of Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands and Sumba and inhabit open woodlands, the edges of forests, and cultivated wheat fields.
Description:
      The Citron-crested cockatoo has an orange crest instead of the typical yellow of the other sulphur-crested cockatoo species. They have pale orange ear patches. The underside of the larger wing and tail feathers have a pale yellow color. The beak is dark grey. They have strong feet and claws. The eye color ranges from brown through very dark brown to black.
      Because the citron-crested cockatoos is classified as an endangered species; Its numbers in the wild have declined due to habitat loss and illegal trapping for the cage-bird trade. It is listed in appendex 1 of the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna) list of protected species. CITES protects endangered species like the cockatoo, by making the trade of wild-caught birds illegal. However, trade of the cockatoos bred in captivity is permitted. Each bird bred in captivity is given a CITES certificate to prove that it is not a wild caught bird. The CITES certificate must accompany its sale or resale.

Citron-crested cockatoos as pets:
      Hand-reared citron-crested cockatoos can make good pets, as they are generally friendly and sociable, and very curiousn. They do like to chew, but are not as noisy as most cockatoos. In fact, generally they are quiet, but they can make a moderately loud honking/screeching sound. They can also make a repetitive quieter whistling/squeaking noise. They are not good at imitating human speech as some members of the parrot family, having a vocabulary of up to only 15 words or phrases. They readily learn tricks and they can be trained. They often raise the crest feathers in display or when surprised. Their droppings are semi-solid and can be messy.
         As with many cockatoo species, Citron-crested Cockatoos taken as pets need a lot of attention. Citrons are good natured birds and will form strong bonds with the ones they love. They are also highly intelligent and quick to learn. Citrons love to chew and need a good assortment of wooden toys to keep them from becoming bored. This is Initially a rather shy bird, but once it is used to being around people the Citron-crested Cockatoo will love attention and can be very affectionate. It can also be a very playful comedian! When it gets excited it will lift up its crest like an Indian headdress, bob up and down, and even dance.
     Though they are generally very docile, they can be a bit more animated than the other Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoos. They can learn to speak and are easy to teach all kinds of tricks. They are also one of the easiest cockatoos to breed. Like cockatoos in general, they are a very loving type of bird. Affection is readily accepted and returned in kind. They are a pet that not only appreciates interaction but requires it and needs a lot of attention from their owners. Buy a cockatoo only if you can spend a lot of time with it. eater care and attention than other companion parrots.
      They are not common in pet stores, but are becoming more popular with breeders. Each bird must be sold with an official CITES certificate to prove that it was bred in captivity.

Diet and the Citron Cockatoo
     Wild citron cockatoos eat a variety of food, including berries, fruit, immature coconuts, nuts, seeds and vegetable matters. Their diet in captivity needs to reflect this diversity. Seeds should be kept to a minimum in favor of healthier foods. Commercial pellet formulas can be fed, but fresh food is vital for any parrot's health. Monitor food intake in order to prevent obesity.
       Overfeeding leads to obesity, pickiness, wastage and throwing food. Low fat seeds, such as millet, especially spray millet is a good treat food. High fat seeds should not be fed.
Special requirements:
 Adult and juvenile lesser sulphur-crested cockatoos are efficient in the utilization of calories and are picky eaters. Try to ensure that the food that they eat is nutritious and avoid high fat seeds such as sunflower and safflower.
Social Behaviors:
 In the wild Cockatoos are friendly and peaceful. They live in pairs or small flocks though sometimes they will gather in very large flocks to feed. They enjoy and require a lot of affection and attention. It is often recommended that they be kept in pairs so they will keep each other company. This can help to reduce the amount of time you will have to devote to an individual bird.
Sexual differences:
Hard to tell the sex of young birds. As they get older the iris of the females' eyes will develop a reddish color, the males' eyes will be dark brown to black.
Potential Problems: Cockatoos can be quite loud screechers. This behavior can be reduced by giving attention and proper surroundings. Also, since they are prone to chewing, if they are not given enough attention they will chew their own feathers.
Activities:
Loves to climb and play and chew. Provide lots of toys.
Lesser sulphur-crested cockatoos are inquisitive and love to chew objects in their surroundings but are not as destructive as other cockatoos. They should always be provided with toys, blocks of wood or branches that they can chew. In order to ensure safety companion cockatoos should not be allowed unsupervised freedom in the home as they often encounter toxins or dangerous items.
      Young cockatoos should be socialized to many people and exposed to a variety of situations such as new cages, toys, visits to the veterinarian, handling by friends, wing and nail clips, etc. to avoid fear of novel situations. They need to have some space for exercise.
 
Grooming:
      Routine bathing or showering is vital to maintaining good plumage and skin condition. Birds can be misted and allowed to dry in a warm room or in the sun, or gently dried with a blow drier. Care should be taken not to clip the wing feathers excessively as cockatoos often fall and injure themselves. Clip only the primary flight feathers and only enough so the bird will glide to the floor. Lesser sulphur-crested are better flyers than Moluccans and Umbrellas and a few more feathers should be removed.
 
Common diseases and disorders:
· Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (Common in the wild population but rare
not in captive populations)
· Chlamydophilia (Chlamydia) infections (psittacosis or parrot fever)
· Proventricular dilation disease
· Feather-picking
· Poor eating habits
· Bacterial and fungal infections
· Sarcocystis
· Mate aggression
· Toxicity, ingestion of metals