Galah
Least ConcernEolophus roseicapilla
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Galah is a striking medium-sized cockatoo with distinctive pink and grey plumage. Its head, neck, and underparts are a soft pink, contrasting beautifully with the pale grey back, wings, and tail. The crest is white with a hint of pink.
Both sexes look similar, though males may have slightly darker brown eyes (sometimes black), whereas females' irises can be mid-brown or red. Juveniles are duller in colour, with a greyish breast and shorter crest.
Size
Length
35cm to 38cm
Wingspan
70cm to 90cm
Weight
270g to 350g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Pink Grey
Secondary Colour
White
Beak Colour
White
Leg Colour
Grey
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Galahs are native to Australia and found across most of the mainland except for the driest desert regions and some tropical areas of the far north. They inhabit a wide range of open habitats, including grasslands, open woodlands, farmland, and urban areas.
While primarily sedentary, Galahs may make local movements in response to food availability and seasonal changes. They have adapted well to human-modified landscapes and are common in many Australian cities and towns.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Arid, Subtropical, Temperate
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Galah. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Galah demonstrates remarkable agility through its acrobatic flight displays and ability to hang upside down from branches. Their playful aerial manoeuvres and precise movements whilst foraging both in trees and on the ground showcase their impressive coordination.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not amongst the strongest parrots, Galahs possess considerable strength for their size. Their robust beaks can crack tough seeds and nuts, and they have the power needed for sustained flight and climbing. Their medium build (270-350g) provides good muscular capability.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Exceptionally adaptable birds, Galahs thrive across diverse habitats from woodlands to urban areas. They've successfully adjusted to human-modified landscapes, can utilise various food sources, and demonstrate remarkable behavioural flexibility. Their presence in cities and agricultural areas further proves their adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Galahs display moderate aggression levels, primarily during breeding season and nest defence. Whilst they can be territorial around nesting sites, they're generally social birds that cooperate well within flocks. They're not notably aggressive compared to other cockatoo species.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
These birds demonstrate solid endurance through their daily activities, including ground foraging and flight. Their ability to withstand various climate conditions, from arid to temperate zones, and their capacity for local movements following food sources indicate good stamina. Their long lifespan (40 years in the wild) also suggests robust physical resilience.
Diet
Galahs are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a variety of seeds, grains, fruits, and nuts. They forage both on the ground and in trees, using their strong beaks to crack open tough seeds and nuts.
In agricultural areas, they may feed on crops, particularly wheat and oats.
Behaviour
Galahs are highly social birds, often seen in large flocks, especially when feeding on the ground. They are known for their playful behaviour, often hanging upside down on branches or performing acrobatic flight displays.
During the hotter parts of the day, they often rest in the shade of trees, becoming more active in the cooler hours.
Vocalisation
Galahs are known for their loud, raucous calls, often described as a screeching 'chet-chet' or 'chi-chi'. They also produce a variety of softer chattering and warbling sounds when communicating within their flock.
During courtship, males may emit a soft, gurgling call.
Nesting & Breeding
Galahs form monogamous pairs and breed between July and December in southern Australia and February to July in the north. They typically nest in tree hollows, often in eucalyptus trees, but may also use cliff faces or even building cavities in urban areas.
The female lays 2-5 white eggs in a nest lined with eucalyptus leaves. Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 25 days.
Chicks fledge after about 6-8 weeks but may remain with their parents for several months after leaving the nest. Young Galahs reach sexual maturity at about 4 years of age.
Lifespan
The Galah typically lives for 20 to 40 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 72.8 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While Galahs are listed as Least Concern due to their large range and population, they face localised threats from habitat loss and competition for nesting sites.
In some agricultural areas, they are considered pests due to crop damage, leading to control measures that may affect local populations.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
Not quantified, but common throughout its range
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Galahs in open woodlands, grasslands, and urban parks, especially near water sources.
- Listen for their distinctive loud, screeching call, often heard during flight.
- Observe them in the early morning or late afternoon when they are most active.
- In Australia, check farmland areas where they often feed on grain.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Rose-breasted Cockatoo, Pink and Grey
Family:
CacatuidaePredators
Main predators include large raptors such as Wedge-tailed Eagles and Peregrine Falcons, as well as introduced mammals like foxes and cats, particularly for ground-feeding birds.
Did You Know?
- The term 'galah' is used in Australian slang to describe a foolish or silly person inspired by the bird's playful behaviour.
- Galahs can live for over 70 years in captivity, making them one of the longest-lived bird species.
- Although they are capable of living long lives, in the wild, the average lifespan for a Galah is around 20 years. This is due to traffic, predators and human activities in some agricultural areas.
- They have the ability to learn and mimic human speech, though not as proficiently as some other parrot species.
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References
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website: BirdLife International. 2018. Eolophus roseicapilla. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22684758A131874469.
View source - 1
journalArticle, 2012: Young et al., Survival on the ark: life history trends in captive parrots, Anim Conserv, 15:28-53