The gang-gang cockatoo is the only species in the genus Callocephalon. Their name hails from the New South Wales Aboriginal Wiradjuri language. These birds face the threats of habitat loss and destruction at the hands of residential and commercial developments. Land clearing along the slopes of the Great Dividing Range, and a reduction in nest hollow availability due to forest management practices is another issue faced. Fire poses yet another threat, as it destroys nest trees and suppresses seed production in key feed species. Climate change causes heat waves that are implicated in the premature fledging of nestlings. Invasive species, such as cats and red foxes, also pose a threat to their survival. Due to all these perils, these birds are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Their population trend is listed as decreasing.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Callocephalon fimbriatum
Weight: Up to 11.8 ounces
Length: Up to 15 inches
Wingspan: Up to 30 inches
Lifespan: Up to 60 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) These cockatoos were first described by British Royal Navy officer and author James Grant in 1803.
2.) While not easily mistaken for other cockatoos, in flight they do resemble the Galah.
3.) They are very social birds that can gather into flocks of up to 60 individuals.
4.) Their 2 primary calls sound like a creaky gate, and/or like that of a cork being pulled from a wine bottle.
5.) They are an introduced species on Kangaroo Island.
But wait, there’s more on the gang-gang cockatoo!
6.) Flowers and buds of eucalyptus trees are on the menu for these florivores (eat parts of flowers, including petals, nectar, pollen, and developing seeds).
7.) The female uses her powerful beak to excavate nesting cavities.
Did you know…?
There are only an estimated 25,300 wild individuals remaining, to date.
8.) Females lay up to 3 eggs that hatch in up to 4 weeks.
9.) Like other cockatoos, they are diurnal (active during the day).
10.) These birds are preyed on by wedge-tailed eagles, peregrine falcons, powerful owls, goannas, and jungle carpet pythons. Possums also compete with them for tree hollows.
Now a Short Gang-Gang Cockatoo Video!
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Some source material acquired from: Wikipedia & IUCN
