Galah

Eolophus roseicapilla

Photo: Shirley Hitschmann

Bird Description:

It’s hard not to smile at a Galah. With their paler pink crown and candy-pink head, neck and chest, grey wings, and cheeky personalities, these cockatoos are as Aussie as a Sunday BBQ. Galahs form strong pair bonds, often seen flying or feeding in twos, and they love to socialise in noisy flocks.

Special features:

These ground-feeders are often seen in open grassy areas, shuffling along in flocks as they forage for seeds, grains, roots, and tubers. Using their strong beaks and agile tongues, they crack open tough seed husks and dig with surprising precision. You might spot them on the roadside verges or in paddocks, especially after rain, when the soil softens just enough for an easy dig.

Did you know?:

They’ve earned their reputation as the class clowns of the bird world—tumbling, chattering, and occasionally hanging upside down just for fun. If you’ve heard the phrase “you silly galah,” now you know where it comes from.

View more information on this bird at Birdlife Australia: https://birdlife.org.au/bird-profiles/galah

Habitat: Forest, Grasslands