With their perky crest and natural curiosity, cockatoos are among the most well-known and loved members of the parrot family. They are found in Australia and the smaller island countries to the north and west, and they live in forested areas of all types, from eucalyptus groves to pine forests and rainforests. Cockatoos are nomadic in their movements, traveling in small groups or huge flocks to areas with an abundant food supply, often in connection with the seasons. They fly by day only, feeding and resting before returning to their home roosts for the night. Some birds roost in a nest or tree hollow, others in the thick foliage of a tree. Capable, strong flyers, some cockatoos often “play” with each other, performing intricate aerial maneuvers or crazy antics, such as hanging upside down while perched, just for the “fun” of it! These activities may serve as a form of exercise for the birds, and they do seem to strengthen social bonds. Cockatoos are LOUD and noisy! They are arguably the loudest of all the parrots and scream to communicate with one another, or just for the sheer joy of making noise. That loud voice is a great adaptation for living in thick, dark forests, helping each bird communicate with others over long distances, even though they are out of sight.