This simple, but contrasting appearance is elegant, beautiful while also a little funny – which all contributes to the overall charm of the Gang Gang Cockatoo. The females are different as they don’t have any red on their head. The males have a bright red head and crest, which gives them a nickname – Red Crowned Cockatoo. The body is almost entirely light, mellow gray, it is also streaked with lighter, nearly white spots, creating a scalloped pattern. Although they only have a mix of two colors, their appearance is so unique and charming, that it became a recognizable sight. When it comes to colors, the Gang Gang Cockatoo really stands out in the mostly white cockatoo family. Gang Gangs are also very receptive to vocal stimulation, enjoying every moment of attention they can get. They can also learn to mimic some basic sound and repeat short phrases, usually their name. Their natural calls are unique in aviculture and sound similar to creaking doors. While Gang Gang Cockatoo shares some of these traits, they are not as intense. Most of us know cockatoos as raucous, loud and talkative.
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The males and females have one major difference, color related, and are easily distinguished. The adults reach an average length of 14 inches (35 centimeters) and can weigh around 12 ounces (330 grams). They are also considerably smaller and their iconic crest is much puffier than the usual one in bigger cockatoos. Their distinct features put them far apart from other common cockatoo breeds. Unlike most members of their family, the Gang Gang Cockatoo has a striking and unusual appearance. They are also the faunal emblem of the Australian Capital territory, a loved and cherished symbol of New South Wales. Even though their habitat is small, the Gang Gang cockatoos became an iconic sight.
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They are often found in altitudes of up to 2000 meters. In winters they prefer the open woodland, river basins, scrub, farmland and suburban areas. They thrive in tall open forests and in the regional highlands and foothills. These cockatoos are found in a very small coastal strip, in the southeast of Australia, in New South Wales.