Come say hello to our four vibrant resident tropical birds Big Bird, Skipper, Mr. Thumbs, and Powder, now greeting guests at our Visitor Center!
Where to See
Resident Tropical Birds
Big Bird
- Age
- 30
- Sex
- Male
- Arrival Date
- 12/18/2025
- Favorite Snacks
- Peanuts
Big Bird made his grand debut at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in December 2025, one of four tropical rescues arriving following the closure of the Miami Seaquarium. Big Bird is a 30-year-old male Green-Winged Macaw which are a species native to South America. He is a seasoned performer with a massive personality. Whether he’s showing off his “proud” squawk or dancing to Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter, he’s a natural entertainer who loves to greet guests with a friendly “Hi!” or “Hello!”
Skipper
- Age
- 20 to 25
- Sex
- Male
- Arrival Date
- 12/18/2025
- Favorite Snacks
- Almonds, apples
Skipper arrived at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in December 2025 with three other tropical rescues, following the closure of the Miami Seaquarium. As an Umbrella Cockatoo, an endangered species native to the Moluccas islands of Indonesia, Skipper is as rare as he is charming. Though he can be shy, he still makes time to greet his fans with either a formal “Hello” or a totally slay “Hi Boo Boo!”. While his species typically forms lifelong mate bonds, Skipper broke the mold by choosing our Red-Lored Amazon, Mr. Thumbs, as his best friend for life.
Mr. Thumbs
- Age
- 30
- Sex
- Male
- Arrival Date
- 12/18/2025
- Favorite Snacks
- Sunflower seeds, fruit
Mr. Thumbs was one of four tropical rescues arriving at Clearwater Marine Aquarium in December 2025 following the closure of the Miami Seaquarium. A vibrant Red-Lored Amazon native to Central and South America, Mr. Thumbs is a bird with clear boundaries. Despite his name, he isn’t a fan of thumb holds! However, he’s a total ham when it comes to the spotlight, delighting guests by waving, purring like a cat, and whistling! He stays busy by hanging out with his fried Skipper, chewing on sticks, and attempting to sing songs to his caretakers in hopes of scoring an extra snack.
Powder
- Age
- 25
- Sex
- Male
- Arrival Date
- 12/18/2025
- Favorite Snacks
- Pistachios, sunflower seeds, bananas
Powder was one of four tropical rescues arriving at Clearwater Marine Aquarium in December 2025 following the closure of the Miami Seaquarium. A Greater Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo native to Australia, New Guinea, and Indonesia, Powder is known for his loving personality and affinity for cuddles. His name is a nod to his silky white coloration and the dust found on his feathers, which naturally protects him from rain and cold. He is quite the showman, greeting visitors with “Hello” or “Hi Pow Pow,” and embracing his rockstar status by tilting his head and raising his crest to head-bang for everyone.
Did You Know…
Tropical Bird Species
Green-Winged Macaw
- Status
- Least concern
- Average Size
- 36 in
- Location
- Northern and central South America
- Threats
- Deforestation, logging, agricultural expansion
The Green-winged Macaw is a colorful resident of the tropical canopy, easily recognized by its deep crimson plumage and forest-green bands across its wings. Despite their powerful, bone-crushing beaks, these “gentle giants” are known for having a more sensitive and social temperament compared to other large macaws. In the wild, they play a vital role in their ecosystem by dispersing seeds across the sprawling rainforests of South America. Stop by and meet our resident Green-winged Macaw, Big Bird, on your next visit to Clearwater Marine Aquarium!
Umbrella Cockatoo
- Status
- Endangered
- Average Size
- 18 in
- Location
- Northern and Central Moluccas of Indonesia
- Threats
- Deforestation, illegal trade
The Umbrella Cockatoo, also known as the White Cockatoo, is a strikingly beautiful bird native to Indonesia, famous for its impressive semi-circular head crest. As one of the most affectionate and social tropical bird species, these intelligent parrots are beloved by enthusiasts for their expressive personalities and brilliant white plumage. Visitors to Clearwater Marine Aquarium will love observing our resident Umbrella Cockatoo, Skipper, display his iconic “umbrella” when he’s in an excited mood.
Red-Lored Amazon
- Status
- Least Concern
- Average Size
- 13 in
- Location
- Central and South America
- Threats
- Deforestation, illegal trade
The Red-lored Amazon is a vibrant, highly intelligent parrot easily identified by its striking red brow, green feathers, and lilac crown. In the wild, these charismatic parrots are known for their “dawn and dusk” choruses and their remarkable ability to navigate the dense canopies of Central and South America in devoted, lifelong pairs. Be sure to visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s local resident, Mr. Thumbs, to witness his playful personality and talents firsthand!
Greater Sulfur-Crested Cockatoo
- Status
- Least concern
- Average Size
- 20 in
- Location
- Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia
- Threats
- Deforestation, illegal trade, poaching, disease
The Greater Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo is the “loudspeaker” of the Australian outback and New Guinea forests. Famous for their dramatic, sulfur-yellow crest that fans out when they are excited or alarmed, these birds are as intelligent as they are striking. In the wild, they are highly social and synchronized, often seen in massive, snow-white flocks that move with a collective “sentinel” system to keep each other safe from predators. Come witness their incredible personality and intelligence by meeting Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s local resident, Powder!