What is a galah?
The galah is a pink-and-grey cockatoo found across almost all of mainland Australia. It is one of the country's most common and recognisable birds, often seen in large, noisy flocks.
Galahs have a rose-pink face, neck and chest, a pale pink crest and soft grey wings and back. They are about 35 centimetres long. Males have dark brown eyes, while females have pink or red eyes.
They feed mainly on the ground, eating seeds of grasses and crops. Galahs have benefited from farming, as wheat fields and water troughs have helped them spread into new areas.
Playful birds
Galahs are known for playful behaviour, such as hanging upside down from wires and rolling in puddles. Pairs often stay together for life and nest in tree hollows.
In Australian slang, calling someone a galah means they are being silly or foolish, probably because of the birds' clownish behaviour.
Galahs are common in cities and towns as well as in the outback.
Did You Know?
The name galah comes from the Yuwaalaraay language of northern New South Wales.