pinky

The Salmon-Crested Cockatoo, more commonly known as the Moluccan Cockatoo, is an impressive parrot with soft pink feathers covering most of its body.
The colors, patterns, and textures we find in nature are nothing short of phenomenal. This is especially true of the bird world, where a near-endless source of bright tones and hues is constantly on display. Parrots, in particular, are well-loved for their brilliant plumage all around the globe.

But have you ever wondered if there are any pink parrots out there? The answer is yes, and I’m going to tell you all about them.
The most well-known pink parrot is undoubtedly the Galah, also known as the Rose-Breasted Cockatoo. That said, it’s not the only blush-colored member of this family. The Moluccan, or Salmon-Crested Cockatoo, also has pink tones that it loves to show off, as do the Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo and the Corella (Bare-Eyed Cockatoo). Finally, Bourke’s Parakeet represents smaller parrot species with a chest full of dusky pink plumage.
Why are these parrots pink?
Before we explore everything there is to know about these gorgeous parrots, let’s unpack why they’re pink in the first place.According to PubMed, cosmetic coloration in birds is an evolutionary adaptation that allows them to attract mates. Their bright plumage signals to potential partners that they’re willing and mature enough to start reproducing.

In nature, the color of their feathers can also help them to a) camouflage if necessary and b) ward off potential predators with a dramatic display of their plumage and some intimidating footwork.

Did you know pink is one of the avian world’s rarest colors? This makes these parrots all the more special and unique.
According to PubMed, cosmetic coloration in birds is an evolutionary adaptation that allows them to attract mates. Their bright plumage signals to potential partners that they’re willing and mature enough to start reproducing.

In nature, the color of their feathers can also help them to a) camouflage if necessary and b) ward off potential predators with a dramatic display of their plumage and some intimidating footwork.

Did you know pink is one of the avian world’s rarest colors? This makes these parrots all the more special and unique. Native to Australia, the Galah is medium-sized, reaching a length of 14 inches (35 centimeters) at maturity and weighing around 10 to 12 ounces (250 – 350 grams).

In appearance, it has vivid shades of pink plumage across its breast and head, with a pale grey back and wings. The pink tone of its plumage is brighter and more saturated than any of the other parrots on our list.

Unlike many bird pairs, males and females share the same coloring but can be differentiated by the color of their irises, which are darker for the boys than the girls.

Good looks aside, Galahs are also extremely intelligent, which makes them great pets. However, be warned, if you’re planning to adopt one, that they can also be highly needy and require at least 3 to 4 hours of attention and interaction daily.

With a lifespan of a whopping 70+ years, a Galah is a big responsibility, but they are well worth it for their loyalty and companionship. They’re also less vocal than many other types of Cockatoos.
Pink parrots like Galahs and Cockatoos are not exceptionally rare (depending on the species and the area you live in). They can, however, be pretty expensive – generally costing upward of $500.When shopping around for your future pet, ensure you contact reputable breeders or rescue centers with a strong track record of raising their birds in a safe and healthy environment.