An abundantly common Australia bird Bob has recently discovered building a nest in a hollow high up in the gum trees is the Galah (Scientific name – Eolophus roseicapillus). It’s easily identified by its pink-rose head neck and underparts and grey back and wings and found throughout most of Australia.

They are often seen in large and noisy flocks of open fields, feeding on seeds and grasses and sheltering from the heat in the foliage of trees and shrubs during the day. Galah’s are considered pests in some agricultural areas as they eat crop seeds and this was certainly the case where I grew up near Wagga Wagga. They are growing in numbers due to the abundant availability of food and water available.

Galah’s develop permanent bonds although if one bird dies they will often take on a new partner. They line their nest in tree cavities with leaves and both sexes incubate the eggs and care for their young for approximately 25 days. Only 50% of young born are expected to live beyond the first six months. Interestingly the Galah’s at Booyong seem to arrive once a week to work on their nest, perhaps preparing for spring.

In captivity galahs can reach 70 years of age however in its natural habitat the galah is unlikely to live beyond 20 years.