Galah

Galah showing deep rose-pink face, breast and underparts, pale pink crown and short crest, soft grey back, wings and tail, bone-coloured bill

Rose-pink and grey, smaller and more manageable than the large white cockatoos, and prone to one specific diet-related problem.

Quick facts

Scientific nameEolophus roseicapilla
OriginWidespread across mainland Australia
Length35 cm (14 in)
Weight270–350 g (9.5–12 oz)
Lifespan40+ years
Noise levelModerate to high
ExperienceIntermediate
ConservationLeast Concern

Temperament

Often described as the most robust and least neurotic of the commonly kept cockatoos. Galahs are playful, comfortable with handling, and generally less prone to the intense dependency seen in Umbrellas — though they are still cockatoos and still highly social.

Care

The species-defining husbandry issue is fat. Galahs are strongly predisposed to obesity and to lipomas, and a seed-heavy or nut-heavy diet will produce both. A low-fat pellet base with generous fresh vegetables and only occasional seed is the standard recommendation. Flight and active foraging matter here as weight management, not just enrichment.

Notes

Common and increasing in Australia, where they are often treated as an agricultural pest. Their status in the wild is very different from their standing as a companion bird elsewhere.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *