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Galah (Rose-breasted Cockatoo)
Semiplume or contour body feather, showing intermediate structure

Galah (Rose-breasted Cockatoo)

Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Psittaciformes, Family: Cacatuidae, Genus: Eolophus, Species: E. roseicapilla

Family: Cacatuidae (Cockatoos)

Shape
Elongated, somewhat asymmetrical, with a tapered tip and loose, delicate structure
Size
Approximately 3 to 4 inches long, consistent with a body contour or flank feather from a medium-sized parrot species
Rarity
Very Common and abundant throughout its natural range in Australia
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Description

The Galah is an iconic Australian cockatoo recognized by its striking pink and grey plumage and expressive crest. It is highly gregarious, often seen in large, noisy flocks performing acrobatic flights.

Colour & Pattern

Delicate pastel pink base color transitioning to a soft greyish-white margin, reflecting melanin-based pink and grey pigmentation common in cockatoo underparts

Barb Structure

Plumulaceous at the base transitioning to loosely pennaceous at the tip; barbs are separated with reduced barbicels, giving a soft, fluffy appearance

Texture & Surface

Soft, silky, and somewhat fluffy texture with a matte finish due to the lack of tightly interlocked barbs

Key Features

Distinctive soft pastel pink coloration on the basal and inner vanes with a contrasting pale grey outer web or tip, combined with a flexible, slender white rachis

Habitat

Open country, lightly timbered agricultural lands, grasslands, and arid to semi-arid inland regions of Australia

Geographic Range

Endemic and widespread across mainland Australia, highly adaptable and frequently found near agricultural areas and urban fringes

Ecological Role

Acts as an important seed disperser and ground-foraging herbivore, though large flocks can occasionally be considered agricultural pests

Similar Species

Major Mitchell's Cockatoo (Cacatua leadbeateri), which features deeper salmon-pink tones and bolder facial crest patterns

Interesting Facts

Galahs form lifelong pair bonds and are known for their playful aerial acrobatics, often playing games of catching falling objects or riding wind currents

Condition Notes

Good condition with minor wear along the distal barbs, showing intact structure without significant fading or damage