The rose-breasted cockatoo, also known as the galah or roseate cockatoo is a pink and grey cockatoo native to Australia. It is one of the most common parrots on the continent, living in all states and territories.
Species Name | |
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Image from SouthernSon.Com | |
Classification | |
Order | Psittaciformes |
Family | Cacatuidae |
Subfamily | Cacatuinae |
Genus | Eolophus |
Species | E. roseicapilla |
Aviculture | |
Noise level | Loud |
Skill level | High |
Size | Medium to large |
Price | Inexpensive in Australia, $1500+ in the US |
Maintenance | High |
Talking | Decent |
Description
Galahs are small cockatoos, generally between 35cm and 40cm in length.
Galahs have a raspberry-pink head, neck and chest complimented nicely by a grey back, wings and tail. Their crest is a much softer shade of pink, almost white. The Western varient is more of a dusty pink as opposed to the Eastern's raspberry hue. In flight, flocks are said to 'twinkle' pink and grey. The beak and skin of the periophthalmic ring are a pale grey, and the feet are dark grey. Females generally have red or brown eyes and males generally brown to black.
In the wild
Galahs in the wild tend to gather in large flocks, usually with other cockatoo or parrot species such as corellas and twenty-eights.
As companion pets
Galahs, as with most cockatoos are fairly demanding companion birds that require a lot of time and interaction. They are fairly destructive and need plenty of toys to chew on. As far as cockatoos go they are considered one of the simpler cockatoos to care for, however are not an 'easy' bird by any stretch of the imagination.
As aviary birds
What is this species like in an aviary? Can it be mixed with other birds? Any special requirements, etc?
Diet and health
Galahs will eat a wide variety of foods, from seed to pellets to fresh fruits and vegetables. An ideal diet for galahs in captivity would be a combination of dark green vegetables and low-fat food pellets, with some fruit and seed saved for treats.
Galahs are prone to gaining weight easily, so regular exercise is required as well as a balanced diet to keep them in shape. Otherwise they have fairly hardy immune systems and aren't prone to any illness in particular.
Breeding
Is this species easy or difficult to breed? How long does it take for eggs to hatch and how many? Dietry needs? Housing requirements? Handrearing requirements?
Mutations
What are the known mutations of this species, if any?
Gallery
See also
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lories-and-lorikeets
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