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

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 gently rounded tip and broad, soft outline
Size
Approximately 2 to 3 inches in length, consistent with medium body contour feathers of a medium-sized parrot
Rarity
Very Common, highly abundant throughout its natural range and expanding due to agriculture
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Description

The Galah is a striking and charismatic cockatoo easily recognized by its bright pink underparts, face, and crest, contrasted with soft grey back, wings, and tail. Highly social and often seen in large, noisy flocks, they are well-known for their acrobatic flight displays and strong pair bonds.

Colour & Pattern

Soft rose-pink to pale salmon coloration with a whitish base and a pale, slender rachis. Melanin-based pigmentation providing a uniform pastel hue typical of breast plumage

Barb Structure

Pennaceous upper portion transitioning to a plumulaceous (fluffy) base, with intact barbs and a small, delicate afterfeather typical of parrots

Texture & Surface

Soft, silky, and somewhat powdery to the touch, possessing the characteristic dust-down residue common in cockatoos

Key Features

Distinctive soft rose-pink coloration combined with a grey or whitish base, soft contour feather structure, and delicate sizing characteristic of Australian cockatoos

Habitat

Open country, farmlands, open woodlands, and heavily altered agricultural landscapes across Australia

Geographic Range

Endemic to mainland Australia, highly adaptable and widespread across open habitats, avoiding dense forests and extreme arid deserts

Ecological Role

Acts as an important seed predator and disperser in open habitats, and provides nesting hollows for other native wildlife when utilizing tree cavities

Similar Species

Major Mitchell's Cockatoo (pink and white with a more vibrant crest) and Major Mitchell's or other pink-tinged parrots, distinguishable by precise shade and feather dimensions

Interesting Facts

Galahs are known for forming lifelong pair bonds and engaging in playful, acrobatic aerial maneuvers. The word 'galah' is also Australian slang for a foolish or silly person

Condition Notes

Good condition with minor wear along the edges of the vane, intact rachis, and no visible parasitic damage

Galah (Rose-breasted Cockatoo) | Feather Identifier