Gang-Gang Cockatoo

[Gerard Satherley]

Male Gang-Gang feeding on Acacia seed. One small twig was cloned out from the bottom of the bird.

Nikon D200, 80-400mm VR, f/5.3, 1/125, ISO 250, -033 EBV

Gerard

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Very interesting looking bird . Very good exposure and excellent detail as well as a lovely pose and composition. Like this a lot. Many thanks for sharing. Are they a rare species??

[Arthur Morris]

Way cool bird and way cool seed pod. Wish for a slightly better head angle and a bit more contrast.

Is the upper mandible atypically worn or normal?

[Gerard Satherley]

Thanks for the comments.

Judy.
This cockatoo is fairly common in suitable habitat in the three southern states of New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and Victoria.

Arthur,
The upper mandible appears to be normal at closer inspection, it looks worn because of a build up of plant material (not clearly visible in this size image).

Gerard

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks for the info. Would love to see more from you!

[Dave Phillips]

always love seeing a new(for me) species posted.
The green filtered light is reflecting all over the place, but it gives the habitat
that most natural look.

looking forward to more

[Roger Clark]

Gerard,
Nice Image. I've photographed sulfur crested cockatoos in Australia and was struck at how adept they were using their feet to handle and manipulate things, like the one is doing in your photo. Does anyone know if the especially adept use of their feet is common to cockatoos around the world, or just in Australia or just certain cockatoos? I've even seen a cockatoo pick up a soda can and try and drink from it (mostly emtpy)!

Roger

[Simon Bennett]

Very nice capture - typical pose and good detail. The bill does look odd.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Upon closer inspection it is evident that the upper mandible is undamanged, it is perhaps the angle of light or the food on it as Gerard said. Easy not to see it though. :)

[Wayne Ellis]

NIce work Gerard. Roger they usually drink from beer cans in OZ ;-))