'SWEETS' the Galah - Framed* original artwork

About this bird:
The Galah is one of the most abundant and common parrots, occurring over most of Australia and some offshore islands. Found in large flocks in a variety of habitats, usually near water, ranging from bushland, urban areas, agricultural land to arid outback, only avoiding dense forest. Well adapted to Australia’s hot, arid conditions, tolerating high temperatures and long periods of dehydration, they have the ability to rehydrate by drinking salty water.  They fly swiftly through treetops, twisting and turning as they swoop towards the ground - screeching as they go. Often in acrobatic postures, hanging upside down, holding with one claw whilst flapping its wings – it’s no wonder the word “Galah” in Australia has come to mean ‘idiot’ or ‘fool’. These highly sociable birds are often in huge noisy flocks, mostly feeding together on the ground. They form permanent pair bonds but will take a new partner if their mate dies. The nest is a tree hollow where they strip bark from the entrance and line the nest with leaves (they are the only cockatoo species to do so). The pair share the incubation of the eggs and caring for the young. Sexes can be distinguished by eye colour, dark brown: male and red/pinkish-red: female. Galahs have also been recorded breeding with other members of the cockatoo family, both in the wild and captivity. Conservation Status: Least concern.