Lesser Sulphur Crested Cockatoo

A Brilliant Icon of the Indonesian Islands

(Commemorative Postage Stamp)

The Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, also widely known as the Yellow-crested Cockatoo, is one of the most striking and charismatic birds of the Indonesian archipelago. Renowned for its expressive crest, sharp intelligence, and vocal personality, this cockatoo has become a symbol of the rich avian diversity of Southeast Asia.

Distinctive Appearance

• This medium-sized cockatoo is easily identifiable by its pure white plumage, contrasted by a vibrant yellow crest that it raises when excited or alarmed.
• It has bluish-white orbital skin, grey legs, and a robust black beak.
• Its overall elegance and lively behaviour make it a standout species among the world’s parrots.

Habitat & Distribution

• The species is native to East Timor, multiple islands of Indonesia, and parts of the Solomon Islands.
• It inhabits wooded forests, cultivated landscapes, and areas rich in tall trees, where it roosts and breeds.
• Like many parrots, it nests in tree cavities, often returning to the same nesting sites year after year.

Subspecies Diversity

• The Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoo includes six recognized subspecies, each with its own geographical distribution.
• The most well-known is the Citron-crested Cockatoo, distinguished by its striking orange crest and limited distribution on the island of Sumba.
• Other subspecies are found across the Indonesian islands, each adapted to its own local habitat.

Conservation Concerns

• Classified as Critically Endangered, the species has undergone dramatic declines due to:
  • Illegal trapping for the cage-bird trade
  • Habitat loss
  • Slow breeding rates, which hinder recovery
• It is listed under CITES Appendix I, providing maximum protection against international wildlife trade.

Distinguishing Features

• Though superficially similar to other cockatoos, it differs from larger species such as Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo.
• The Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoo is smaller, with a more delicate structure and a distinctive yellow ear patch that helps in identification.

A Tribute Through Philately

This commemorative stamp honours the Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoo not only for its beauty but also as a reminder of the urgent need to protect endangered species threatened by human actions. Vibrant, intelligent, and full of character, this cockatoo stands as a symbol of the fragile ecosystems of the Indonesian region.