Pink and Grey Galah Print | Helen Ansell

The Pink and Grey Galah is one of the most common and widespread Australian cockatoo, and it can be found in open country in almost all parts of the mainland. Its distinctive pink and grey plumage and its bold and loud behaviour make it a familiar sight in the bush and increasingly in urban areas. The term galah is derived from gilaa, a word found in Yuwaalaraay (South East Australia). They form huge, noisy flocks that feed on seeds, mostly at ground level. Galahs bond as pairs permanently, although a bird will take a new partner if the other one dies. They can live for up to 70 to 80 years but in their natural habitat they are unlikely to reach the age of 20, falling victim to traffic and predators. In places where danger from hawks and eagles is high they can be seen jinking along irregularly in flight to avoid being easy targets. Their average lifespan is about 40 years.