Reproduction

Breeding takes place from October to January. Pairs are monogamous and come together each year for mating.

Nests are built in to a tree hollow. This hollow is normally at least 9m (29.5ft) long. Most pairs will use the same nest each year. The hollow is lined with wood chips and wood dust which is chewed up using the strong beak.

In the nest the female will deposit up to 3 eggs. Both parents work together to incubate the eggs. Incubation lasts for four weeks.

After hatching the chicks will spend seven to eight weeks in the nest and a further four to six weeks reliant on the parents once they fledge.

These birds are highly social and will often nest in close proximity. The young will be left in a group while the adults go out and forage.

Sexual maturity is reached at 4 years old.

Behaviour

Their call is similar to the sound of a creaking door hinge. While feeding they can make a soft growl.

Most of their time is spent in trees. The main reason they would come to the ground is to drink or to forage among pine cones.

During breeding season they will move around as a pair of a small family group. Throughout the rest of the year they may be seen in groups as large as 60.

Predators and Threats

Humans have affected the population of gang-gang cockatoos through habitat destruction and the introduction of invasive species which push them out of their habitat.

There is also an increasing presence of Psittacine cirovirus disease (PCD) in their

population.

Quick facts

The gang gang cockatoo is the fauna emblem of the Australian Capital Territory.

They are also known as the red headed or red crowned cockatoo.

Their name comes from a New South Wales Aboriginal language.