The Galah, Eolophus roseicapillus, is also known as the
Rose-breasted Cockatoo or Galah Cockatoo. It is one of the most common and
widespread cockatoos, and it can be found in open country in almost all parts
of mainland Australia. It is endemic in Australia (including Tasmania), where
its distinctive pink and grey plumage and its bold and loud behaviour make it a
familiar sight in The Bush and increasingly in urban areas. It appears to have
benefited from the change in the landscape since European colonization and may
be replacing the rare Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo in parts of its range.
The term galah is derived from gilaa, a word found in
Yuwaalaraay and neighbouring Aboriginal languages.
Scientific name: Eolophus roseicapillus
Common names: Roseate
Cockatoo, Pink-breasted Cockatoo
Adult length: 34cm
(13½ in): males usually larger
Adult weight: 300g to 400g
Potential lifespan:
50 years
Status in wild:
common
Origin: Australia - almost the whole continent, including
Tasmania
Habits
Galahs are a highly social animal. If circumstances allow
galahs will form a close bond with a mate (member of the opposite sex) whom
with they will breed with for life. If their mate dies galahs have been know to
become quite depressed, though they usually will find a new mate.
Galahs show affection to their mate by preening each other’s
facial feathers. Galahs stick together in flocks that can range from as little
as four to over one hundred birds. Galahs will however form pairs to leave the
flock to nest. Galahs are not highly territorial and they often share roosting
trees and food sources though minor squabbles frequently occur.
The Galah is a sedentary bird. It tends to sit around and
remains in one area. When Galahs pair off, they form loose groups with other
pairs. When they are eating, one bird will keep watch and if disturbed, the
entire flock will fly off. This behaviour occurs when the Galah is feeding with
other types of birds such as the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. The Galah is
unapproachable at that time. It is easier to approach the Galah if the entire
flock is made up only of Galahs. During hot midday hours, Galahs rest in trees.
Galahs are not a shy animal!
A galah that is kept in captivity will often form a bond
with a particular human carer or even other pets such as a dog or cat. They may
shun or even attack other humans, pets whilst being a perfectly behaved galah
to their adopted mate. Like most parrots, galahs rely heavily on their sense of
sight. Galahs can be tricked into thinking their reflection in a mirror is
actually that of another galah. Mirrors must be avoided if you wish to form a
strong bond with your pet galah.
Breeding
Galahs form permanent pair bonds, although a bird will take
a new partner if the other one dies. The nest is a tree hollow or similar
location, lined with leaves. Both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the
young. There is high chick mortality in Galahs, with up to 50 % of chicks dying
in the first six months. Galahs have been recorded breeding with other members
of the cockatoo family, both in the wild and captivity. These include the
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, C. galerita.
Feeding
Galahs form huge, noisy flocks which feed on seeds, mostly
from the ground. Seeds of grasses and cultivated crops are eaten, making these
birds agricultural pests in some areas. Birds may travel large distances in
search of favourable feeding grounds.
Three Sub-Species of Galahs
EASTERN - E. roseicapillus roseicapillus These galahs are
found in central and northern Australia. Roseicapillus Galahs have a pink
periophthalmic ring.
WESTERN - E. roseicapillus assimilis These galahs are found
in Western Australia as far north as the Fortescue and probably the De Grey
Rivers. Assimilis Galahs general have a paler plumage; crown more strongly
suffused with pink; naked periophthalmic ring greyish white.
NORTHERN - E.
roseicapillus Kuhli These galahs are found in the Kimberly region of (northern)
Western Australia Kuhli Galahs general have a paler plumage; crown more
strongly suffused with pink; grey-red periophthalmic ring.
Diet
The basis of the diet should be a high quality Parakeet
mixture like this one with a good variety of seeds and very few or no sunflower
seeds. An excess of items high in fats and oils will result in obesity, serious
health problems and early death.
Galah as a pet
A Galah is a nice bird to keep as a pet, if you give it the
proper care and housing. They are not very big, making it easier to give them a
nice aviary or big cage. Like all species of cockatoo these birds are capable
of screaming very loudly, but in practice they do not do this as often as other
species of cockatoo. Most Galah’s are not very cuddly birds (unlike e.g.
Umbrella Cockatoos) but of course there
are individual differences. A Galah cockatoo is very playful and a little
hyperactive. The really thrive well with another cockatoo as a companion.
Fun Facts for Kids
- The Galah is amongst the most widespread and abundant of cockatoo species.
- The word “galah“ in Australia has come to mean ‘idiot’ or ‘fool’, possibly because of the bird’s playful antics.
- A Galah often makes a contact call when it is flying, a brief “chet” that is often repeated. The same call is made and repeated more quickly when the bird is alarmed. While perching, it makes a “tit-ew” or “chet-it” sound. When threatened or in defense of its territory, the bird repeats a loud screech or “scree” sound, with its crest erect, its tail fanned and its wings outspread.
- Galahs are well adapted to inland Australia’s hot, arid conditions, and can tolerate high temperatures as well as long periods of dehydration. They can rehydrate through drinking salty water.
- Galahs strip bark away from the entrance to their nest, and line the nest with leaves, the only cockatoo species to do so.
- Galahs sometimes breed with other species of cockatoo.
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