Who You Calling Ugly? No, Not Oscar the Cockatoo!

Some people have dubbed Oscar the Cockatoo the "ugliest bird in the world." But the label doesn't ruffle her feathers — because she doesn't have any!

Oscar is a 30-something female Moluccan Cockatoo who has a condition called beak and feather disease. Contagious to other birds, this illness affects the immune system and causes feathers to fall out. At the time of her rescue and diagnosis, Oscar was given six months to live; 13 years later, she's still alive and kicking.

"She's a sweet bird," Cherie Wachter, director of marketing for the Humane Society of Broward County — and Oscar's unofficial publicist, gushes to PEOPLEPets.com. "But she's definitely spoiled. She gets whatever she wants."

The Fort Lauderdale-based Cockatoo, who lives comfortably in the warm climate, feasts on a steady supply of bird feed but every once in a while gets to indulge in some pecking favorites, including lollipops, jellybeans, pizza and blueberries. Lovingly describing Oscar's personality like "a two-year-old that doesn't grow up," Wachter explains, "I'll bring her a blueberry pancake, and it's funny to just watch her pick the blueberries out."

As an office mascot of sorts for the Humane Society, Oscar is riding quite a publicity streak that dates back to April 2008. In her first television interview, she shook her tail feather to the tune of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones. "She loves attention," Wachter tells us. "If you don't give her enough attention, she'll squawk at a very high pitch."

On March 6, 2010, the Humane Society will put on their 20th Annual Walk for the Animals event, which raises money for the homeless pets that come in to the shelter every day. Last year, Oscar raised about $300, and will work again this year to bring in more. To help Oscar beat last year's total, you can visit her fundraising page here.

But don't bother calling the shelter asking about adopting Oscar. After 13 years, she's happy at the Humane Society of Broward County. "This is her home," Wachter says. "She’s part of the family."

See more unusual animals on PEOPLEPets.com:
Henry Lizardlover Calls His Camera-Ready Lizards a 'Chick Magnet'
Skunks As Pets? Ohio Woman Says Yes, Indeed!

Karen J. Quan