Cockatoos are notoriously loud. A cockatoo’s call can be heard for up to a mile or more away. This is especially true early in the morning and near sunset when they would naturally call out in the wild. Most cockatoos can be taught to speak and even sing a few notes, although not all birds will speak/sing. • Two toes point forward and two point backward. Each foot can essentially work like a hand. Food is generally held in the left foot when feeding. Cockatoos are different to other parrots as they possess a distinctive erectile crest that is raised when the bird is alarmed.