If flight it's wings seem to pulse rather than flap in a regular way, with a pause or a hitch in each flap. I hear them far more often than I see them, and their rusty gate creak of a voice is both far carrying and distinctive. This species is only found in the SE corner of Australia, through parts of New South Wales and Victoria.
When I do manage to see these birds they are a wonderful example of how to look good without having to be flambouant - the grey feathers with the pale edges and the males bright red / pink head are as good looking as any other bird.
The name Gang Gang is thought to be of Aboriginal Origin and the scientific name (Calloephalon fimbriatum) refers to the fringe of feather on the birds head. At about 35 cm long its not a big bird - but it is a good one.
The first two images here are of a rather coy female, and the third is a scan of an old slide. (Remember them!)
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| Gang Gang Cockatoo |
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| Gang Gang Cockatoo |
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| Male Gang Gang Cockatoo |
What a beautiful bird Stewart...
ReplyDeleteHaha, and yes, I remember.
ReplyDeleteThese birds are quite handsome/beautiful as well. I am not certain if we house them in our zoo...huge sigh, or not, yet next time, I travel there, I will have a good look-see~
really neat feather trims. almost look like fish scales. thanks for sharing this unique bird, and thanks, always, for hosting WBW!
ReplyDeleteIndeed, what a beautiful feather pattern!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you explained the "Gang Gang" because at first I thought your computer had stuttered. Everything about Australia is unique and maybe a lot of it is because of the long history of the Aborigines ... whatever it is, I love it.
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful birds. I like the simplicity of the coloring on the female and a red headed male, well what can I say ... Aren't all redheads handsome? Fun post Stewart ...
Andrea @ From The Sol
Hello Stewart... these are very nice photos...my favorite is the last one !
ReplyDeleteGreetings
Love the photo of the 'shy' one.
ReplyDeleteOh wow the Gang Gang Cockatoo is quite a beautiful bird indeed. Loveley captures Stewart.
ReplyDeleteThis is a first for me. I've never even heard of this one until now. Very handsome bird! And, yes, I remember slides. Unfortunately! LOL!
ReplyDeleteThe coy female look is so cute. And they look so majestic.
ReplyDeleteThis is one unique looking bird. I've never seen(or heard) of this bird before. Wonderfully captured on camera.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of beautiful bird.
ReplyDeleteGreat captures of this handsome bird.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful feathers -- and love that spot of color on the male's head.
ReplyDeleteJe hebt ze heel mooi te pakken Stewart,klasse.
ReplyDeleteThe female really does appear to be coy, doesn't she? ;)
ReplyDeleteThe patterns on the feathers are very beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHarley used to call grandma Gang Gang when he was really little because he couldn't say Grandma. She doesn't look like this lovely bird though. From Findlay
ReplyDeleteSo pretty! And unusual. The scalloped design to the back feathers are unique and attractive. Nice!
ReplyDeleteStewart, wonderful captures of your Cockatoo. The female does look a little on the shy side. And the male is pretty with its colorful head. Thanks for sharing, have a happy week!
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty pattern with the feather colors/markings!!!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty bird- she looks so shy.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful birds! I'm intrigued.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of the Gang Gang Cockatoo before. He is a beauty!
ReplyDeleteWow! That is a cool looking bird, Stewart!
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome bird!
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to see this bird. I used to live in the Illawarra and assumed it would happen, but it never did. I'll live vicariously through your post! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful bird! Seeing in the wild must be amazing! I have seen similar ones as pets. But, see them in small cages is very sad.
ReplyDeleteLove 'em. Skiing on Mt.BawBaw we often had them outside our bedroom window in winter. I have also been fortunate to see them near the Glenelg river in the south east.
ReplyDeleteHi Stewart,
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of this beautiful bird.
Greetings Irma
your right, they do look good without be overly flamboyant, lovely species and a new one to me
ReplyDeleteOh what a unique bird! LOVE those feathers!! I had never heard of this bird before. You are always educating us!! Thanks for hosting this every week too!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting Wild Bird Wednesday!
Lea
Lea's Menagerie
Hello :)
ReplyDeletethese are beautiful photos. :)
regards Babs
Hi Stewart - I think I was prompted to say I was intrigued by the fact that in parentheses you wrote (Remember them!)....which I took to mean that there was more to follow about those birds.
ReplyDeleteStriking bird!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting.
Hi Stewart... Amazing pattern of the feathers,and the turn of the head to that lovely pinkish red!!
ReplyDeleteOdd name : )
Grace
Such a demur looking female and a randy looking male. Ah such is the world. LOL! MB
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of the Gang gangs. That's another one I'd love to see and photograph.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful bird Stewart!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots!!!!
Dimi...
Hi Stewart, Sorry I haven't been around much and I must apologize to all the bloggers for not having time to visit their blogs either. I've been so busy with the Wildlife Conservation Stamp and other matters I haven't written many posts either.
ReplyDeleteI love the cool pattern on the back of these Gang Gang Cockatoos! A very cool name for a bird too!
Beautiful bird, Stewart!
ReplyDeleteRegards
my new post about an amazing land "Gulmarg- A Heaven of Kashmir Valley"
This bird is new for me... Thanks for shearing this here Stewart...
ReplyDeleteLovely bird!
ReplyDeleteLike layers of shell patterns on the feathers. Unusual colouring. Love the name "gang gang".
ReplyDeleteNice Stewart! I love the colors and designs on the feathers. You have some great birds. I wish they were around here.
ReplyDeleteInteresting bird with an unusual name.
ReplyDelete