A large white cockatoo recognized by its yellow crest.
Its bill is dark gray-black, and the underside of the wings has a yellow wash. Males and females look similar. At close range, females have red-brown eyes; male eyes are darker brown.
Some sulphur-crested cockatoos in western Sydney operate human drinking fountains themselves. They grip the twist handle with one foot, brace the other against the spout or handle, and lower their weight to turn it. While holding the spring-loaded valve open, they turn their heads to drink the flowing water.
A study published in 2025 filmed a drinking fountain from 29 August to 11 October 2019. Across 44 days, 525 operating attempts were recorded, approximately 41% of which succeeded. Seventeen of 24 colour-marked birds attempted operation. Individuals showed distinctive combinations of foot and bill placement and movement. Success was more likely when fewer other birds were nearby, and birds were also observed queuing. These cockatoos combined feet, bill and body weight to use equipment designed for people.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.
Cockatoos can be harmed by pesticides in human-settled areas. In October 2024, the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority reported at least 22 sick or dead sulphur-crested cockatoos in the Sutherland Shire. Toxicological testing confirmed insecticide poisoning. The authority investigated the source in collaboration with wildlife rescuers, the council, parks authorities and Taronga Zoo, and requested information from residents. This was a regional protection response based on investigating documented harm.