The Galah cockatoo parrot is also called the Rose-breasted cockatoo because of its physical appearance. It is also common for a bird to be named after one of its physical characteristics. It belongs to the order Psittaciformes with other species of parrots, parakeets, and cockatoos.
Originally from Australia, it lives in the wild rather than at low altitudes, inland, and in open places such as fields or savannahs. Rose-breasted cockatoo live in groups, some communities exceed a thousand individuals! Additionally, they have become accustomed to urban areas and Australians regularly see them in cities…
It has become quite common as a pet parrot. This is particularly due to its very pleasant appearance but also to its character. Because he has a sociable, playful nature and is a little less noisy than other species of parrots, even if he likes to express himself and make himself heard!
The Rose-breasted cockatoo measures on average 35 centimeters, with a fairly stocky body. Its weight varies between 300 and 400 grams.
Its colors make it very recognizable among other cockatoos or parrots. Indeed, it has pastel tones made up of pink, gray, and white. The dark pink color is located on the face, neck, chest, and stomach. The gray color is found on the back, wings, and tail.
As for the white, or rather the pinkish-white, we find it on his forehead and his crest! The latter is of medium size. The bird can raise it or flatten it, depending on its mood… In addition, this parrot has a pink eye ring (this is the small area surrounding the eye). Its beak is horn colored and is not very bulky. And its legs are grey-pink.
There is no immediately visible sexual dimorphism, that is to say, the male galah is identical, at first glance, to the female galah. Looking in more detail, we notice a slight difference in the color of the eyes: the male has them more dark brown, the female more red-brown.
As with many bird species, there are color mutations among Rose-breasted cockatoos. We find silver ones, white ones with black eyes, blue ones, cinnamon ones, variegated cream ones, ivory ones, lutino ones, and pink ones with black eyes. In France, the lutino mutation is the most widespread (white replaces gray).
- Phylum: Vertebrate chordate
- Class: Bird
- Order: P sittaciform
- Family: Cockatoo
- Genus: Eolophus
- Species: roseicapilla
- Latin name: Eolophus roseicapilla
Rose breasted cockatoo lifespan
A Rose-breasted cockatoo is considered an adult between 18 and 24 months. As a pet bird, the life expectancy of a Galah Cockatoo can be up to 60 years. This is something to take into consideration when you want to adopt one!
Rose breasted cockatoo personality
The Rose-breasted parrot likes the company of its peers but also humans and does not tolerate solitude well. Be prepared to dedicate several hours a day to it! He can be quite mischievous and likes to play and have activities.
He speaks with a small, high-pitched voice and can imitate words or sounds he hears. You can also teach him to repeat particular words or expressions as well as little tunes.
Although it is a little less noisy than other species, it remains quite talkative and extroverted. If you live in an apartment, you will assess the noise tolerance of those around you and your neighbors, before deciding to adopt one or two Rose-breasted cockatoos…
This parrot can show a lot of affection to its owners. His lively personality and intelligence mean that he also needs feedback from interactions with you. This involves talking, games, and training to make him say words or perform a few little tricks.
In summary, it is an ideal pet bird for family life!
Galah cockatoo talking
SOURCE: African Grey Parrot Pet
Rose breasted cockatoo cage size
Concerning its habitat, the rose-breasted parrot needs two main elements:
- space to spread your wings, move easily, and perform acrobatics
- games and toys to keep them busy, have fun, and wear out their claws and beak.
You will therefore first make sure to offer him a sufficiently spacious cage. It can also be an aviary. Our stores offer you different models of cages and aviaries that will suit your parrot(s).
Most cages and aviaries already contain perches, you can add more without cluttering the habitat too much. Perch covers are a simple way to help with beak and claw wear. You will find them adaptable to the majority of perches.
You can have several games inside the cage that will stimulate his curiosity and keep him occupied for long periods. They come in different shapes and materials.
You will find in particular a hanging toy made of wood and rope, or another hanging game made of pumice stone. Pumice is an ideal material to limit the continued growth of the beak, with its abrasive qualities.
You can also opt for one or more wooden ladders, or a toy with treat boxes, which will arouse his interest even more!
Rose breasted cockatoo diet
The Rose-breasted cockatoo is granivorous, its diet must therefore consist primarily of a mixture of seeds. You will find special parrot seed mixtures in our stores. You have in particular the Prestige Parrots Mix composed of sunflower seeds, corn, wheat, peanuts, oats, buckwheat, rice, hemp…
The Prestige Premium Seed Mix is very interesting because it is made up of a mixture of seeds enriched with extruded granules. These “VAM” granules provide vitamins, amino acids, and minerals necessary for good health.
Thus, they can replace certain fresh products (vegetables, fruits), which the Rose-breasted cockatoo will not consume… Because you should know that this smart guy is not a big fan of fruits and vegetables… You can still try to give him some, by varying the products, and see if he likes some of them.
Also, attach a bunch of millet to the cage. Not only does the Rose-breasted cockatoo love this grass, but millet is also beneficial for it.
Rose breasted cockatoo breeding
Sexual maturity: 2 to 3 years
Nesting period: Depends on geographic area
Place of laying/nest/birth: Cave nesting. Nest high up in a tree hole or the crevice of a wall or cliff. The bottom of the nest is lined with grasses and twigs.
Number of annual broods: 1 brood per year, sometimes 2
Number of eggs per clutch: 2 to 5 eggs per clutch
Duration of incubation/brooding: 23 to 25 days; the female and male incubate the eggs
Weaning: The small chicks are altricial and are fed by both parents by regurgitation. Juveniles are weaned after 6 to 7 weeks. They will join other young people of the year in “crèches” where they will be fed by their respective parents for a few weeks.
