Callocephalon fimbriatum: Gang Gang Cockatoo

Male Gang Gang Cockatoo

Taken at Drouin, 19th March 2004

The "squeaky gate" parrots, the Gang Gangs have arrived in our street gums (much to the annoyance of the bell birds). They migrate between coast and mountain following the weather. They form lifetime pair bonds. They are noisy fliers and perchers, but quiet feeders. The give-away when feeding is an almost continuous rain of "left-overs" which is very audable as you draw near. They are among those fortunate native species that gain an advantage from the arrival of us aliens. That is, they are particularly fond of hawthorn berries, and there are several very large hawthorns opposite. As you can see, they pick a bunch using their beaks and hold it with a foot while they choose the most tasty berries.. If you are careful and move slowly, you can appoach within a few feet of them feeding (particularly the males).

Male Gang Gang Cockatoo

Female Gang Gang Cockatoo

Taken at Drouin, 21st March 2004