Skip to content
THE PARROT SPECIES FIELD GUIDE · Cacatuidae

Gang-gang Cockatoo

Callocephalon fimbriatum

Meet the gang-gang cockatoo: its taxonomic place, natural range and conservation record.

Gang-gang Cockatoo — Callocephalon fimbriatum
Gang-gang Cockatoo
SPECIES NOTES

A closer look.

Scientific names follow AviList v2025b. Read the taxonomy and source notes for changes in classification.

About this species

The gang-gang cockatoo (Callocephalon fimbriatum) is a parrot found in the cooler and wetter forests and woodlands of Australia, particularly alpine bushland. It is the only species placed in the genus Callocephalon. Mostly mild grey in colour with some lighter scalloping (more pronounced and buffy in females), the male has a red head and crest, while the female has a small fluffy grey crest. It ranges throughout south-eastern Australia. The gang-gang cockatoo is the faunal emblem of the Australian Capital Territory. It is easily identified by its distinctive call, which is described as resembling a creaky gate, or the sound of a cork being pulled from a wine bottle.

Where it occurs

Coastal southeastern Australia (central New South Wales to southeastern South Australia).

Conservation record

AviList v2025b records this species as vulnerable. Assessments and taxonomy can change; follow the source checklist for updates.

Sources & image credit

Names, family, range and conservation record: AviList Core Team (2026), AviList v2025b, CC BY 4.0. Species summary: Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0. Length, weight and longevity when listed: World Parrot Trust species account.

Image: JJ Harrison ( https://www.jjharrison.com.au/ ). Original file and full credit · CC BY-SA 3.0. Display size and encoding adjusted.