Isn’t it often the case that we want the most attention from the people who are giving us the least amount of it?
Humans aren’t the only ones drawn to those hard-to-get types. In a hilarious clip uploaded to TikTok, a Cockatoo named Charlie Junior desperately tries to win over his human dad, who, like so many of us these days, is preoccupied with his phone.
Take a peek and marvel at this bird’s energy and determination. The song, “More Passion, More Energy,” which accompanies the clip, sums up this Cockatoo’s efforts perfectly.
Why does this man have a Cockatoo when he seems a bit indifferent to the bird? Well, funny story…
“Me to my husband: If we get a bird, I promise you won’t even know it’s there,” this Cockatoo’s human mom captions the clip. “There’s nothing wrong with one little white lie sometimes to get the ball rolling.”
🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾
Oh, that ball is rolling all right! While this man may not have been thrilled with the idea of welcoming a new pet into the home, there’s no denying the fact that this bird has fallen for him—big time!
Cockatoos have earned the nickname “Velcro birds” because of their high need to be with humans. And it certainly looks like they’ve forged a bond, albeit a little one-sided.
Related: Cockatoo Obsessed with Learning ‘Footloose’ Line Dance Has Moves for Days
Viewers are finding this video hilarious—and rightly so!
“I love how he moves CLOSER to your husband’s face because he feels like he’s not close enough,” one wrote.
Related: Defiant Cockatoo Laughs in the Face of Bedtime Like a Wild Toddler
Was it wrong to mislead this man about a Cockatoo’s true nature? Once again, viewers have thoughts.
“Knowing full well their vocals are louder than any other house pet, that’s diabolical, haha,” one person said.
“And, they usually don’t really even like the parent who wanted them, in the first place, lol,” another noted. “This is our lives as the spare food giver.”
Sad but true. I’m the one who wakes up early to feed my cats, and yet, they’re both completely devoted to my husband. Sigh.
What Are the Best Ways To Entertain Your Cockatoo?
Because Cockatoos (and Parrots in general) are highly intelligent birds, they require a lot of mental stimulation. We’re all familiar with the old adage, “Idleness is the Devil’s workshop,” meaning that too much free time can be dangerous. And that holds true not only for people, but for pets, as well.
So how do you keep your clever Cockatoo occupied and out of trouble (and out of your face)?
Puzzle feeders make great activities for Cockatoos. They also enjoy toys, many of which can be made from household items, which allow them to chew and promote dexterity.
We hope this dad gives Charlie Junior all the love he deserves!
This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Sep 2, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.