Parent-Offspring Recognition in a Cockatoo, the Galah, Cacatua Roseicapilla.

Abstract

The development of parent-offspring recognition in C. roseicapilla was studied both in the field and in the aviary by means of exchanging broods and by intensive observation at selected nest-hollows, one of which was fitted with a glass back. Nestlings begin to recognize their parents' calls during their fifth week and do not beg from strangers (= foster parents) until very hungry. Parent galahs are confused by this lack of response from changelings and do not enter the hollow until the young beg. When the nestlings are about 40 days old they begin to appear at the nest entrance and to call to, and answer, their parents. At this stage recognition by both parents and offspring is perfected so that when the young fledge (c. day 46) and join the local creche, mixing with other broods, siblings can recognize their parents' calls and the brood reassembles to be fed; parents feed only their own young.