Why Are Those Cuddly Cockatoos so Cuddly?
by Steve Hartman / The Parrot University 1988

Of all of the 360 species of parrots, those 18 pesky cockatoos seem to require the most tactile stimulation to be happy and content. Tactile stimulation is a social requirement for the cockatoo genus (group). Tactile stimulation of cockatoos which, includes preening and touching, releases several euphoria producing hormones including endorphins which can become very addictive.

All parrots need a great deal of social attention, but each species and each individual within the species may demonstrate their needs differently. Some personality generalizations can be made within each genus (I.E., macaws, amazons, conures, etcetera).

Social attention can be delivered and received in several ways. The most recognized ways are touch, vocal and close proximity.

Smaller parrots like the conures tend to be more vocal. They are always chattering away. This is a survival tactic utilized by smaller birds that need to watch out for predators more than larger birds do. Perhaps they are saying, "Hi how are you?" or "I'm over here, is everything OK over there?"

Other species like african greys or amazons are often content just to have close proximity to their mates or owners.

IMPORTANT. Most parrots need the same amount of attention, they just need it in different ways. An african grey needs to be near you for just as much time as an umbrella cockatoo needs to be touched by you. There is no such thing as an easy parrot that need less of your time.