The galah, less commonly known as the pink and grey cockatoo or rose-breasted cockatoo, is an Australian species of cockatoo and the only member of the genus Eolophus. The galah is adapted to a wide variety of modified and unmodified habitats and is one of Australia's most abundant and widespread bird species. The species is endemic to mainland Australia. It was introduced to Tasmania, where it is now widespread, in the mid-20th century and much more recently to New Zealand.
Region
Australia and nearby islands
Typical Environment
Widespread across mainland Australia in open woodlands, grasslands, savanna, and agricultural lands, and common in towns and city parks. It avoids dense rainforest and the most barren deserts but readily uses edges, riparian zones, and farm landscapes. The species has been introduced to Tasmania, where it is now widespread, and established locally in New Zealand. It benefits from artificial water sources and clearing that create open feeding grounds.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Galahs are one of Australia’s most abundant and adaptable cockatoos, thriving in both wild and human-modified landscapes. They form long-term monogamous pairs and nest in tree hollows, often returning to the same sites. Sexes can be told apart by iris color: females typically have red to pinkish irises, while males are darker brown. Populations have expanded with agriculture, water points, and urban parks.
Female E. r. albiceps displaying her crest outside her nest in Tasmania, Australia
A galah × corella hybrid
Young galatiels
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
direct, fast wingbeats with short glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or noisy flocks that can number into the hundreds when food is abundant. Pairs are generally monogamous and nest in tree cavities lined with leaves. They roost communally, often near water, and exhibit strong site fidelity to roosts and nest sites.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, nasal screeches and chattering calls, often given in flight. At roosts and feeding sites they produce a mix of squawks, whistles, and contact calls.
Plumage
Smooth pink underparts and face with contrasting soft grey back, wings, and tail; short erectile pale pink to whitish crest.
Diet
Primarily a granivore, feeding on seeds of native grasses and herbs as well as cultivated grains. It also takes bulbs, corms, and roots such as onion grass, and occasionally fruits and green shoots. Foraging often involves digging or probing with the bill to extract seeds and corms. Opportunistic feeding on spilt grain around farms is common.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mostly on the ground in open areas including pasture, cropland, roadsides, and parklands. It also uses edges of open woodland and riparian corridors where seed resources are concentrated.
