In contrast to many cockatoos this bird is rather self effacing and quiet. On many occasions, and this was one of them, they only give away their presence by the noisy cracking of gum nuts! These birds - there were three - were in some rather low gum bushes and for once I was able to get some shots. My more normal experience of these birds is that they inhabit high, neck straining branches rather than photographically convenient locations!
'Gang-gang' is thought to be Aboriginal in origin, but which language this comes from is (as they say) contested! However, the scientific name is a model of clarity - Callocephalon fimbriatum - means beautiful fringed head. And as I said, there is no argument with that.
The bird without the red/pink head is a female.
In many of these pictures you can see the bird using its claws to help it gain access to food in the gum nuts - the two forward, two backwards arrangement of the claws (similar to that of woodpeckers) seems to be an advantage here.
Now it's over to you - click on the blue button below and off you go! I hope I manage to fix the hour delay issue that occurred last week - summer time and all that. SM
they're beautiful and exotic! a quiet cockatoo? who knew? :)
ReplyDeleteA beautiful and unuaual Cockatoo, Stewart, but as you might guess, these pictures have raised questions in my head. I think we humans got it all wrong. If we were to follow nature (as we should because that is how it is intended to be) the men should be wearing the Frufru hats and the women dressing down. Now would that not bring about a wonderful, if not interesting, social revolution. That said, I am happy these lovely creatures were kind enough to get down to your level, so you could take these excellent shots. Have a great week, Stewart :)
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From The Sol
Stewart, these are awesome shots of the Cockatoo. I love the male's red head. Such a pretty bird.. Thanks for hosting, enjoy the rest of your week!
ReplyDeleteWhat awesome shots of the Cockatoo. I've never seen one before.Thanks for sharing. I'll link up my bird post tomorrow (Wed) Greetings. Jo
ReplyDeleteWonderful birds to see Stewart... your images are fantastic
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of the beautiful cockatoos.
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunner he is. And her. And what great photos you got. It's nice when they make it easy for us by staying low.
ReplyDeleteThey have a really cheeky look about them.
ReplyDeleteFascinating birds and stunning that a parrot can be quiet.
ReplyDeleteOh, how fabulous! I always wanted to see these when I was there. I didn't...your photos are grand Stewart!
ReplyDeleteVery captivating images of these interesting birds. It's great that they posed at eye level. The fall warblers here in Illinois are mostly up high and I can only get photos of their undersides (and a sore neck!). Just back from a fun (and unplugged) trip to far northern Wisconsin with the granddaughters and family, causing me to have a backlog of correspondence and lots of photos to edit. Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteIt's another rather splendid Cockatoo Stewart. And a quiet one this time.
ReplyDeleteI find myself asking how many parrots, cockatoos and budgies there are in your part of the world?
spectacular!!!
ReplyDeleteWell it certainly does have a beautiful fringed head! Quiet? Really??
ReplyDeleteStunning Photos! I would love to see these in the wild. Well Captured. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThey are stunning! Much prettier I think than their all-white cousins! Loved seeing them. You got some great photos!
ReplyDeleteReally neat looking birds.
ReplyDeleteLucky you.
My mantra is the eyes are the window to the soul, and this is doubly true for birds. Their eyes are so sweet.
I love 'em
One of these days, I'm going to visit Australia! So many new birds and habitat to ogle!
ReplyDeleteFantastic photos! It was a pleasure for me to read your post and learn about this special cockatoo that I have never seen before. Thank you and have a great day!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute bird! I love that fringed crest. Your photos are wonderful, Stewart.
ReplyDeleteAll cockatoos are exotic to me,. This one is beautiful the contrast of the gray and red. Glad he posed for you he twig is a minor annoyance, not a spoiler.
ReplyDeleteHe certainly has an interesting way of eating! The red head is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteA gorgeous bird to see and these shits are wonderful. Certainly have not seen this bird. Thanks for hosting.
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ReplyDeleteExtraordinary birds Stewart, one I have never seen before. Thank you for introducing them to me.
ReplyDeleteFantastic photos! What a cool bird.
ReplyDeleteSuch an interesting pair. That red head certainly stands out.
ReplyDeleteThe poor dowdy little female.... sigh.......
ReplyDeleteThese are great photos, Stewart. Well captured!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! I have heard of but never seen these cockatoos. That female seems to be checking your out very intently. I love how smart parrots all seem to be with that inquisitive look they give. Love that fellow's red cap, very snazzy. Great pics, branch in the way or not.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos of this Cockatoo, Stewart.
ReplyDeleteI love the man with his red head.
Perfect photographed, my compliments.
Best regards, Irma
Great shots of a much-loved local!
ReplyDeleteYour photos are gorgeous! Such a beautiful bird!
ReplyDeleteAnother very interesting species from 'down under'. Nice shots Stewart.
ReplyDeletebeautiful shots...and the bird does look quite shy.
ReplyDeleteLove the bokeh in the first photos!
Cockatoos in gum trees? I thought only Kookaburras lived in gum trees! ;) Lovely shots. So many cool birds down there I never have a chance to see in the States.
ReplyDeleteIowa Voice
Great photos! I like the hint of red on the bird.
ReplyDeleteWhat a handsome bird!!! Stop fretting about "nature"...she's in charge!!!...:)JP
ReplyDeleteNow I know why I've never seen them in my South-east travels - had no idea they were shy and quiet compared to other cockatoos!
ReplyDeleteThese are gorgeous photos, never mind the twigs! For some reason, the male bird looks like he is wearing a turtleneck jumper in my mind.
I've never seen these beautiful creatures in the wild...nor caged (I hate seeing birds caged)...and I've very rarely seen pictures of them from memory...gorgeous birds!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous Cockatoo, Stewart! I've only seen a few small images of these birds. Beautiful captured and how great to finally have a threesome down low to click away!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting. I've been a little slack with birding this year. I'm hoping to get back to it again.
They are such beautiful birds. I have always seen the white species and these are incredible to view. Those annoying tree branches, what are we to do...huge sigh with a happy face ;)
ReplyDeleteWell Stewart its been a while. Mothing season ends and the Autumnal weather kicks in which means I can get back to a bit of garden and local birding..... so. I am sure I have missed plenty on WBW however what a post to come back to. Superb bird and some lovely images you captured, even the last one with the twig is good, and as you say such is life with the annoying place that either the twig rests or the bird decided to pose behind, either way it still works. Catch you soon... Dave
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots of your feathered friends.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing bird! You really got some amazing shots. Love seeing them use their intellect to make their lives easier.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful bird! I love its red cap!
ReplyDeletelove that red head
ReplyDeleteWhat strange birds! that head is pretty cool. And your images as always are stunning with clarity.
ReplyDeleteWhat a handsome bird! These are beautiful photos!
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