Gang-gang Cockatoo

The Gang-gang Cockatoo, Callocephalon fimbriatum, is a medium-sized parrot with a distinctive appearance. Males are adorned with a brilliant red head and crest, while females and juveniles display a more subdued grey plumage with a small, fluffy crest. This species is the sole member of the genus Callocephalon, and it is recognized as the faunal emblem of the Australian Capital Territory.

Identification Tips

Adult males are unmistakable with their red heads and crests. Females and juveniles are primarily grey with lighter scalloping and a small crest. The underparts of the feathers may have yellow or pink edges, and the upperparts appear slightly barred due to the paler grey edges of the feathers. In flight, they may be confused with the Galah, though the Gang-gang's social but quieter demeanor sets them apart.

Habitat

Gang-gang Cockatoos favor cooler and wetter forests and woodlands, particularly alpine bushland. They thrive in mountainous regions with dense shrub understories.

Distribution

This species is endemic to the coastal regions of southeastern Australia. Historically found on King Island, they have since become extinct there and are an introduced species on Kangaroo Island.

Behaviour

Gang-gang Cockatoos exhibit unique nesting behavior, preferring young, solid trees for excavating nesting cavities. They are social birds, often seen in flocks, though they are not as vocally prominent as other cockatoos.

Song & Calls

The call of the Gang-gang Cockatoo is quite distinctive, often likened to the sound of a creaky gate or the noise made by pulling a cork from a wine bottle.

Breeding

Breeding occurs in the canopy of tall trees, which are essential for nest building. They migrate back to denser forests for breeding after spending winters in more open habitats.

Similar Species

While in flight, the Gang-gang Cockatoo may resemble the Galah, but the male's red head and crest are distinctive identifiers.

Diet and Feeding

The Gang-gang Cockatoo's diet includes seeds from various plant species, as evidenced by observations of individuals consuming seeds from plants like Schinus molle and Acacia baileyana.

Conservation Status

The Gang-gang Cockatoo is currently listed as vulnerable in New South Wales due to habitat loss and the decline of older, hollow trees. Recent events, including the 2019–20 Australian bushfires, have further impacted the species, leading to a significant population decline and the proposal to list it as endangered under the threatened fauna of Australia.