COCKATOO (Cacatuidae), a group of parrots confined to the Australian region and characterized by a crest of feathers on the head ; this can be raised at will. They live in flocks in woods, feeding on fruit, seeds and insects. The note is harsh and their powers of vocal imitation limited. The well-known sulphur crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita) inhabits Australia, where it does much damage to the newly sown grain. The white eggs, two in number, are deposited in hollow trees or fissures in rocks. Leadbeater's cockatoo (C. leadbeateri) inhabits South Australia, and its white plumage is tinged with rose, deepening to salmon pink under the wings; the crest is scarlet. It is a very shy bird. The dark-plumaged funereal cockatoo or wyla (Calyptorhynclius funereus) is another Australian species. The smallest of the family is the cockateel (Calopsittacus novae-hollandiae), which has a long pointed tail.