How to identify the Galah

To correctly identify the Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

35-38 cm

Wingspan

70-80 cm

Weight

270-350 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults have a striking appearance with a rose-pink face, neck, and underparts, contrasting with a pale grey back, wings, and tail. The crest is short and pale pink to whitish. The rump is also pale grey. The underwing and undertail coverts are pink.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Pale grey to whitish, strongly hooked, typical of a cockatoo, adapted for cracking seeds.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Males have dark brown (almost black) irises; females have reddish-brown irises. Juveniles have dark brown irises.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dark grey

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The combination of rose-pink and pale grey plumage is unique among Australian cockatoos. The short, pale crest is also a key feature.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles resemble adults but have duller plumage, particularly the pink areas, which are paler and less vibrant. Their irises are dark brown, regardless of sex, until they mature.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage remains consistent year-round.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Subtle, primarily in eye color: males have dark brown irises, while females have reddish-brown irises. Otherwise, plumage is identical.

Key field marks

• Plumage Coloration. Look for the unmistakable combination of rose-pink on the face, neck, and underparts, contrasting sharply with pale grey on the back, wings, and tail. This is the primary identification feature.
• Crest. Observe the short, pale pink to whitish crest, which is often flattened but can be raised when excited. It is not as prominent or colorful as other cockatoos.
• Eye Color (Sexing). If close enough, note the iris color: dark brown for males, reddish-brown for females. This is the most reliable way to sex adult Galahs.
• Flight and Behavior. Watch for their characteristic strong, undulating flight and their tendency to gather in large, noisy flocks, especially at dawn and dusk. They are often seen feeding on the ground.
• Vocalizations. Listen for their loud, high-pitched 'chee-chee' or 'chur-r-r' calls, which are very distinctive and often heard before the birds are seen.

Explore the Galah