Wednesday 25 September 2013

Wild Bird Wednesday 63 - Gang Gang Cockatoo

The Gang Gang Cockatoo is one of my favourite birds.

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!)

Gang Gang Cockatoo

Gang Gang Cockatoo

Male Gang Gang Cockatoo
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47 comments:

  1. Haha, and yes, I remember.
    These 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~

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  2. really neat feather trims. almost look like fish scales. thanks for sharing this unique bird, and thanks, always, for hosting WBW!

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  3. Indeed, what a beautiful feather pattern!

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  4. I'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.

    These 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

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  5. Hello Stewart... these are very nice photos...my favorite is the last one !

    Greetings

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  6. Love the photo of the 'shy' one.

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  7. Oh wow the Gang Gang Cockatoo is quite a beautiful bird indeed. Loveley captures Stewart.

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  8. This 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!

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  9. The coy female look is so cute. And they look so majestic.

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  10. This is one unique looking bird. I've never seen(or heard) of this bird before. Wonderfully captured on camera.

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  11. Great shots of beautiful bird.

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  12. Great captures of this handsome bird.

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  13. Beautiful feathers -- and love that spot of color on the male's head.

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  14. Je hebt ze heel mooi te pakken Stewart,klasse.

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  15. The female really does appear to be coy, doesn't she? ;)

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  16. The patterns on the feathers are very beautiful.

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  17. Harley 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

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  18. So pretty! And unusual. The scalloped design to the back feathers are unique and attractive. Nice!

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  19. Stewart, 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!

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  20. What a pretty pattern with the feather colors/markings!!!

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  21. I've never heard of the Gang Gang Cockatoo before. He is a beauty!

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  22. Wow! That is a cool looking bird, Stewart!

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  23. I'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! :)

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  24. What 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.

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  25. Love '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.

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  26. Hi Stewart,
    Great photos of this beautiful bird.
    Greetings Irma

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  27. your right, they do look good without be overly flamboyant, lovely species and a new one to me

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  28. Oh 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!!

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  29. Beautiful bird!
    Thanks for hosting Wild Bird Wednesday!
    Lea
    Lea's Menagerie

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  30. Hello :)
    these are beautiful photos. :)
    regards Babs

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  31. 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.

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  32. Hi Stewart... Amazing pattern of the feathers,and the turn of the head to that lovely pinkish red!!
    Odd name : )

    Grace

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  33. Such a demur looking female and a randy looking male. Ah such is the world. LOL! MB

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  34. Great photos of the Gang gangs. That's another one I'd love to see and photograph.

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  35. What a beautiful bird Stewart!!!
    Great shots!!!!
    Dimi...

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  36. 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.

    I love the cool pattern on the back of these Gang Gang Cockatoos! A very cool name for a bird too!

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  37. Beautiful bird, Stewart!
    Regards
    my new post about an amazing land "Gulmarg- A Heaven of Kashmir Valley"

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  38. This bird is new for me... Thanks for shearing this here Stewart...

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  39. Like layers of shell patterns on the feathers. Unusual colouring. Love the name "gang gang".

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  40. Nice Stewart! I love the colors and designs on the feathers. You have some great birds. I wish they were around here.

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