The rose-breasted cockatoo, best known by its native aboriginal Australian name “galah,” is the perfect parrot species for a pet owner who likes to interact frequently with a pet bird. Extremely intelligent and enormously fond of humans, this pretty pink bird can readily learn to say many words and do complicated tricks with regular training. This hardy bird can live in some of the more extreme areas of Australia.

Origin and History

The galah is native to Australia, where it can be found in open grasslands and over much of the country. It has self-established in Tasmania. Galah cockatoos travel in large flocks, often in groups that also include sulfur-crested cockatoos. They will mate with other species of cockatoos.

Galahs are a familiar sight in urban areas. These birds tend to be more prevalent in settled areas because they eat cultivated crops and make use of artificial ponds and livestock watering troughs. Many farmers regard the birds as pests.

The name “galah” means “fool” or “clown” in the native Australian language Yuwaalaraay. This highly intelligent bird got the name for being a loud nuisance. The term “galah” is a slang, derogatory word in Australia that means a “loud-mouthed idiot.”

Temperament
Affectionate and friendly, the galah cockatoo has a reputation for being a loving pet. Unlike umbrella cockatoos, these birds are not big on cuddling. But, they are accustomed to handling.

If you are interested in owning a galah, make sure that you have plenty of free time to spend with your pet. It is a sensitive bird, requiring a lot of attention and interaction from its owners. As a flock-dwelling bird by nature, if its adopted human flockmate ignores it, the rose-breasted cockatoo can become depressed, angry, and destructive.