I had a group of 13 young (undersize) Galahs turn up in a gum tree in the backyard at lunchtime today. All of them preened and rested for over an hour, a bit of branch hopping, a bit of mutual preening, a bit of squabbling, a bit of play on some hanging bark ribbons. The 14th member of the group was a Cockatiel, which was preening and branch hopping too, but was always within a 'social' distance of 6 to 8 inches from one or more of the Galahs. Seemed to be very much a part of the group.
The cockatiel would have to be an aviary escapee, but interesting to see it well integrated into a group of wild Galahs. Wouldnt have thought an aviary escapee would have such a good outcome.
Good to see thay are an inclusive bunch, perhaps the Cockatiel had something to contribute to the Galahs. Perhaps because the Galahs were young. Kids play with anyone. I think as humans, we often underestimate the will to survive in animals and assume bred pets will perrish in the wild, however all sorts of ex-pets now exist in the outdoors from gold fish to dogs. Cockatiels are fast learners from what I gather, and if ones pet wanders off than maybe it has more instinct than humans reckognise. Goo the Cockatiel I say.
thanks for sharing, what a nice discovery and little story.
jason
Ipswich Shire Eastern flanks
If that Cockatiel is outside its normal range then I'm hoping it will be put back in its cage well before it finds a mate. Assuming that the Cockatiel is an escapee this is one more demonstration of the potential problems associated with keeping caged birds. Sometimes they escape & cause havoc in the wild.