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IN THE WILD: The Gang-Gang
Cockatoo is restricted to the south-eastern parts of Australia, (see
map) from Victoria up to the Barrington Tops area in NSW. It has
declined since European settlement but is now getting quite common in
the southern highlands. Adult males are distinctive with a bright
scarlet red head with a greyish body plumage touched with white.
Females are relatively all greyish with salmon coloured chest parts.
Both sexes have a beautiful feather duster type crest. In the wild they
feed on eucalypt seeds, fruit and insects and are very fond of red
berries and introduced tree species. Once located, a food source is
usually exploited until finished. With the Gang-Gang being strongly
arboreal they very rarely come to the ground, only to drink. They are
very commonly seen in parks and gardens around Canberra and other such
cities feeding in low trees and can easily be touched when doing so.
DISTRIBUTION: Whilst in
Canberra attending a convention we were lucky enough to spot a group of
Gang Gangs feeding in the trees just behind the cabins we were staying
in.
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There was a
group of around 10 to 12 birds calling away to each other and to see
and hear them in the wild so close was one of the most magical
experiences I have ever witnessed. Breeding is mainly from September to
January with both parents preparing the nesting site, mainly high up in
a eucalypt tree near water. Two eggs are a usual clutch with incubation
lasting around 20 to
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22 days. The young fledge around 40 days later but will stay with their
parents in small groups for up to 6 months.
CONCLUSION: (in the wild)
Let’s hope that this smallish cockatoo of only around 35cm in
length will always have a place in the wild and not become extinct in
years to come because of habitat clearance or foul play.
Yours in aviculture: Paul Stevens.
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