The Enigmatic Gang-Gang Cockatoo: A Delightful Canberra Resident

As I ventured through the National Botanical Gardens, I was struck by the serenity of the surroundings and the unexpected sighting of a Gang-Gang Cockatoo. With its distinctive red tuft on the male's head and dark grey plumage on the female's, this endearing pair caught my attention. As a resident of Canberra, I feel fortunate to have seven varieties of Cockatoos inhabiting our city, and this quiet yet fascinating species is truly a gem.

The Gang-Gang Cockatoo is often referred to as 'gregarious, but relatively quiet cockatoos,' which perhaps explains why I only managed to capture a few photos during my encounter. However, the kind assistance of Julian Robinson from the Canberra Ornithologists Group provided me with two lovely images of the male and female together, showcasing their affectionate bond.

As the faunal emblem of the ACT and part of the logo for the Canberra Ornithologists Group and ACT Parks, Conservation and Lands department, this bird holds a special place in our community. Despite its elusive nature, I was told to listen for a sound similar to a squeaking door, which led me to spot the male's red tuft amidst the flakes of bark drifting down.

Gang-Gang Cockatoos are known to form monogamous pairs and family groups during summer, with young males often roosting together in the same tree while parents forage for food. Their social behavior is a delight to observe, although they may struggle to get a word in edgeways when a Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo is around!

In my experience, autumn is a busy time for birds in Canberra, offering numerous photo opportunities. However, the Gang-Gang Cockatoo's quiet nature makes it a challenge to capture on camera. Nonetheless, I was thrilled to have caught a glimpse of these charming creatures and am grateful for Julian Robinson's contribution to this article.

The next time you're strolling through the National Botanical Gardens or another Canberra hotspot, keep an ear out for that distinctive squeaking sound. Who knows? You might just spot a Gang-Gang Cockatoo, and I hope you'll appreciate their unique charm as much as I do.

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