Gang-gang Cockatoo

1. Males: Bright red heads; Females: Grey heads with barred plumage.

2. Call: A raspy sound similar to a creaky door hinge.

3. Compact body with short tail and wispy crest.

Gang-gang Cockatoos are monogamous, forming lifelong pair bonds. They breed from October to January in tree hollows, typically near water sources. They line their nests with chewed bark instead of leaves or feathers. Both parents share incubation duties (lasting about 30 days) and care for chicks until independence at around 14 weeks. Juveniles may gather in small groups while parents forage nearby. These birds are social but quieter compared to other cockatoos.

Gang-gang Cockatoos are native to southeastern Australia, ranging from central New South Wales to Victoria. They are altitudinal migrants: In Summer, they are found in cooler mountain forests and woodlands. In Autumn/Winter, they sescend to lower elevations, including suburban gardens and parks. Prime viewing times are at dawn and dusk when they actively feed in tree canopies. Their presence is often indicated by their call or the sound of falling seed pods as they forage.

The name "Gang-gang" is believed to originate from an Indigenous language of New South Wales, likely inspired by their unique creaky call. These birds hold cultural significance in Aboriginal stories tied to seasonal changes and mountain habitats.