Celebrating the Galah Cockatoo on World Parrot Day

For World Parrot Day this year I would love to talk about our charismatic group of Galah Cockatoos (Eolophus rosicapilla). With their striking pink and grey plumage and playful antics, the galah is one of Australia’s most iconic and widespread parrots, and one of my favourite species to work with here at Wingham Wildlife Park.

Easily recognisable by their rose-pink heads, necks and underparts, this sociable species is sometimes also called the rose-breasted cockatoo. I think the combination of pink and grey makes them one of the most visually striking cockatoo species. Males and females look alike at first glance as they have similar plumage, but the adult females can be distinguished by looking at her eye colour. Males and juveniles have a very dark eye, whereas female galahs have a noticeable reddish-pink iris.

Galahs originate from mainland Australia and some of its offshore islands, including Tasmania where they have been introduced. Usually spotted in large flocks, they inhabit a wide range of open habitats, from grasslands and scrublands to agricultural areas and inland wetlands. This adaptable species usually avoids dense forests, but they can also be found in open woodlands.

Galahs are opportunistic feeders, foraging mainly on the ground for seeds, fruits, nuts, tubers, and insects. They have a powerful beak which they can use to dig into the soil for food. They play a crucial role in seed dispersal, aiding in the regeneration of various plant species. Being a highly sociable bird, they form large noisy flocks, often with other cockatoo species, such as the sulphur-crested cockatoo, which can consist of up to 1000 individuals! Sadly, their fondness for agricultural crops has led them to being considered pests in some farming regions.

Despite their difficulties in the wild, it is refreshing to write a blog about a species that is doing okay in the wild! Unfortunately, many species of parrots are in decline globally (see my previous blog here to learn about the plight of some of our other bird species here at the park). However, galah cockatoos are listed as “least concern” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This status reflects the abundant population of galahs in the wild. They are a species which has shown resilience to human-induced environmental changes and is not just thriving in their natural habitat but also now in urban areas as well.

Galahs are monogamous and form long term pair bonds. During the breeding season, they can nest in tree hollows, rock crevices and even inside farm buildings in the wild. The female may lay between two and six eggs which take about 25 days to hatch. Chicks fledge at around 7 weeks old but mum and dad might continue to look after them for several more months.

In the wild they have several predators such as little eagles, black falcons, and peregrine falcons. These predators would likely be targeting the slower individuals or those which are unwell. This probably explains why they live a lot longer in a zoo environment with a lifespan of around 40 to 50 years old.

In the past we have rescued several galahs here that were previously pets. They are known for their playful antics and whilst they are not the best parrots for mimicry, they can sometimes pick up phrases. However, they require significant attention and space and the correct diet otherwise problems with their behaviour and health can occur.

That just leaves me to say a big thank you for taking the time to read about our galah cockatoos on World Parrot Day this year! These playful and intelligent birds remind us how amazing this family of birds are and whilst the galah thrives in the wild, many of its relatives face mounting threats from habitat loss, the illegal pet trade and climate change. Today serves as a timely reminder that safeguarding the future of all parrots requires ongoing awareness and conservation.