[2] They have a downward-curved black beak, which often appears grey from the white powder they produce for grooming.The sexes are nearly identical, with the only difference being the females' irises, which have a deeper brown-red colour, compared to the males' strictly brown eyes.

The genus name Cacatua is of Malay origin, meaning 'old father,' likely due to their long lifespan and tendency to stay with the same flock for life.

Since all cockatoos originated in Australasia, it is hypothesised that they emerged after Gondwana's separation 55 million years ago during the Eocene.

The vast diversification of cockatoo species likely occurred during the Miocene when the birds were dispersing along Australasia and as the Australian land mass was changing from a wet to arid environment.

[5] The greater sulphur-crested cockatoo is native to eastern Australia from Cape York to Tasmania, and has been introduced to places like Indonesia, the Palau Islands, and New Zealand where it is considered a well established species.

Chicks are born with their eyes still closed with pale yellow feathers, and remain in the nest until 11 weeks old.

In Australia, captive birds are typically individuals that were taken from the wild as abandoned or injured chicks or fledglings and raised by humans[7].They make a popular pet due to their high intelligence, ability to be easily tamed, ability to learn vocalisations, and long lifespan.

One particular greater sulphur-crested cockatoo, nicknamed "Cocky", was a popular domesticated bird at the London Zoological gardens.