The Brown Headed Gang Gang Cockatoo: A Unique and Iconic Australian Bird

The brown headed gang gang cockatoo, a stunning parrot species endemic to eastern Australia, has captured the hearts of many with its striking appearance and enchanting call. As a symbol of Canberra, this bird is deeply ingrained in local culture, but its charm extends far beyond the nation's capital.

Until the 1960s, the brown headed gang gang cockatoo inhabited areas as far south as King Island off Tasmania's northwest coast. Today, they can be found along the Great Dividing Range, stretching from New South Wales' central north coast to Victoria and South Australia.

Despite their widespread distribution, these birds remain relatively elusive, with some populations migrating to lower elevations during winter while others maintain their high-altitude habitats. The brown headed gang gang cockatoo is known for its distinctive call, often likened to the sound of a creaky door.

Stacey Taylor, a Master's student at ANU, has dedicated herself to studying these charismatic birds in the ACT. 'Their most distinctive trait is their call, which is often heard while they are in flight,' she notes. 'They are not as commonly spotted as other similar-sized parrots and should certainly not be mistaken for the much more common galah.'

The males of this species boast a spectacular red head, while both males and females display wispy crests. Gang-gangs are truly an incredibly beautiful parrot, with their slate-grey feathers featuring blushes of pink.

As one of 14 cockatoo species in Australia, the brown headed gang gang cockatoo is a crowd favorite for its unique appearance and endearing call. Despite being relatively unknown, this bird has gained popularity, finishing third in the 2021 Bird of the Year poll.

The Australian Capital Territory adopted the gang-gang as its emblem in 1997, making it the only state or territory to feature a bird as its faunal emblem instead of a mammal. The Canberra Ornithologist Group and ACT Parks and Conservation Service have also chosen the gang-gang as their insignia.

Despite being an iconic symbol of Canberra, the brown headed gang gang cockatoo remains somewhat of an enigma. Stacey Taylor notes that there is still much to be learned about this species, with no formal research or monitoring having been conducted. However, enthusiasts and experts alike are working to uncover more about these captivating birds.

For now, we can appreciate the charm and beauty of the brown headed gang gang cockatoo through its striking appearance, enchanting call, and iconic status as a symbol of Canberra's natural heritage.

Brown headed gang gang cockatoo