Callocephalon fimbriatum (J.Grant, 1803)

Taxonomy and Basic Measurements

The gang-gang cockatoo, scientific name Callocephalon fimbriatum (J.Grant, 1803), measures 32–37 cm (13–15 in) in length, has a 62–76 cm (24–30 in) wingspan, and weighs 230–334 grams.

General Plumage and Crest

These are grey birds with wispy crests.

Adult Sexual Dimorphism

In adult males, the head and crest are bright red, while these areas are dark grey in adult females.

Underpart Feather Edges

The edges of the underpart feathers are colored yellow or pink.

Upperpart Feather Edges

The edges of the feathers on the upperparts are a slightly paler grey than the rest of the feather, which gives the bird a somewhat barred appearance.

Juvenile Male Identification

Juvenile males can be identified by their brighter crowns and shorter crests; otherwise, they look similar to adult females.

Similar Species Distinction

Gang-gang cockatoos are not easily confused with other cockatoo species, though they may look similar to Galahs when in flight.

Social Behavior and Vocalization

They are very social birds, and are not overly noisy.

Native Range

This species is endemic to coastal regions of south-eastern Australia.

Extirpated Population

It once inhabited King Island off the coast of Tasmania, but is now extinct there.

Introduced Population

It is an introduced species on Kangaroo Island.

Preferred Habitat

Gang-gang cockatoos prefer mountain forests and woodlands with dense shrub understories.

Migration and Breeding Habitat Requirements

They make short-distance migrations to more open habitats in winter, but must return to denser forests to breed, because they require tall trees to build their nests.