Galah

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
galah.jpg
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

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See also

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lories-and-lorikeets


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