Rose Breasted Cockatoo
The Rose Breasted Cockatoo or Galah is among the smallest Cockatoo species. These birds are usually around 12-14 inches in body length. The weight of these birds is 300 to 400 g. Like all Cackatoos, they are characterized by a crest on the head, curved beak, and zygodactyl feet (with two backward and two forward toes.) There are three subspecies of the Rose Breasted Cockatoo that inhabit various areas and differ slightly in body and eye ring color.
The Rose Breasted Cockatoo is common in Australia. It prefers woodlands and grasslands and avoids arid areas. These birds can be seen in cities and towns; they often raid farmlands in search for food. Their usual diet consists of various seeds, nuts, fruit, and vegetables. Flocks of Rose Breasted Cockatoos destroy cultivated grain crops and damage gardens. In some Australian states, licensed culling of these birds is permitted for farmers.
Rose Breasted Cockatoos are popular as pets. In Australia, many pet Cockatoos are wild caught, but it’s illegal to export them. All Rose Breasted Cockatoos sold in the USA and other countries should be bred and raised in captivity. While in the wild, the Rose Breasted Cockatoo occurs mainly in rose and white colors, in captivity, it’s possible to produce mutations. In Australian aviaries, a lutino variety of the Rose Breasted Cockatoo is established. Other mutations are silver, cinnamon, white, and grey.
The Rose Breasted Cockatoo is characterized as very smart. It responds quickly to training and learns tricks easily. To keep a bird of this species, it’s necessary to have a large cage and many facilities for the bird to entertain itself. Rose Breasted Cockatoos are rather independent and like to stay in the cage, if it’s convenient for them. If a Rose Breasted Cockatoo screams and bites, it usually means that the cage is small for him or he is bored. Intelligent and inquisitive birds like Rose Breasted Cockatoos always need new toys. Puzzle type toys will allow the bird to use and develop its problem solving skills. The Rose Breasted Cockatoo doesn’t like changes in its environment; it may provoke fear and bad behavior.
