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Galah (Rose-breasted Cockatoo)
Contour feather, likely from the breast or flank region

Galah (Rose-breasted Cockatoo)

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

Family: Cacatuidae (Cockatoos)

Shape
Symmetrical vane with a rounded tip, overall oblong shape with fluffy base
Size
Approximately 2 to 3 inches long, consistent with a medium body contour feather for this species
Rarity
Very Common
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Description

The Galah is one of Australia's most familiar and striking cockatoos, easily recognized by its bright pink head, neck, and underparts contrasting with soft grey back, wings, and crest. Highly social, they are frequently seen in large, noisy flocks performing acrobatic aerial displays.

Colour & Pattern

Soft pale pink to rosy coloration throughout the pennaceous tip, fading to a fluffy white downy base along a pale whitish-pink rachis

Barb Structure

Pennaceous vane at the tip transitioning into a soft, plumulaceous (fluffy) basal portion lacking interlocked barbicels, showing typical wear on the edges

Texture & Surface

Soft and silky texture with a matte appearance, typical of body contour feathers providing both coloration and insulation

Key Features

Distinctive soft rose-pink coloration transitioning to a fluffy white base, characteristic of Australian cockatoo body contour plumage

Habitat

Open country, lightly timbered plains, agricultural lands, and urban areas across Australia

Geographic Range

Endemic and widespread throughout mainland Australia, highly adaptable and common in modified landscapes

Ecological Role

Primary consumer feeding heavily on grass seeds, grains, and occasionally insects; acts as an important seed disperser and foraging part of the Australian woodland ecosystem

Similar Species

Major Mitchell's Cockatoo (Lophochroa leadbeateri), which features a deeper salmon-pink coloration and distinct facial barring

Interesting Facts

Galahs are exceptionally intelligent, form lifelong pair bonds, and their populations have actually boomed due to the spread of agriculture and stock watering points across Australia

Condition Notes

Fair condition, showing some slight fraying along the barbules and edges, typical of a naturally molted feather found outdoors