Cockatoo came to English through Dutch spice traders in the Malay Archipelago — the Malay name may mean "old sibling" or simply mimic the bird's piercing shriek.
A large parrot with a distinctive movable crest, native to Australasia. Known for intelligence, loud calls, and long lifespan.
From Dutch kaketoe, from Malay kakatua (cockatoo), possibly from kakak (older sibling, a term of address) + tua (old), or simply imitative of the bird's call Key roots: kakatua (Malay: "cockatoo (possibly 'old sibling' or imitative)").
Cockatoo entered English through Dutch traders in the East Indies — the Dutch East India Company (VOC) was the primary European contact with the Malay Archipelago in the 17th century. The Malay kakatua may mean "old sibling" (kakak + tua), possibly reflecting the bird's habit of appearing wise and elderly, or it may simply imitate the bird's loud, harsh call. Cockatoos can live 60–80 years