Galah

(Eolophus roseicapillus)

Live: Endemic to Australia.

Habitat: Common in urban areas and open woodland and grassland below 1250m. They move to different areas depending on food supply and seasonal conditions.

Diet: In the wild, seeds, grains, roots, green shoots, leaf buds, and insects and their larvae. They damage crops, particularly wheat.

Zoo diet: Seed mix, fruit, vegetables and browse.

Gestation: June to November in the north; August to January in the south. They nest in a hollow tree, usually a eucalypt near water, and use the bark and leaves off the tree to line the nest. There are 2-5 eggs (normally 3) incubated by both parents for 4 weeks. Young birds leave the nest 8 weeks after hatching, and are fed by the parents for 2-3 weeks longer.

Status: Common

Habits: Large flocks of 300 birds are not uncommon, but they are usually found in smaller groups. They feed on the ground in the morning and late afternoon, and shelter in trees during the hottest part of the day. They roost at sunset after a pre-roosting display of aerobatics and screeching, and are sometimes active at night.