Karmactive Staff
A rare hybrid bird, cross between sulphur-crested cockatoo and galah, spotted in Northern NSW East draws attention with apricot-colored plumage.
Photo Source: Lenny Burtenshaw (Facebook)
Local resident Lenny Burtenshaw captured images showing dominant behavior, causing other birds like cockatoos, galahs, and parrots to scatter.
Photo Source: Lenny Burtenshaw (Facebook)
Bird specialist Dr Bob Doneley verifies hybrid authenticity, noting previous sightings limited to aviary-bred specimens.
Photo Source: Lenny Burtenshaw (Facebook)
Social media skeptics questioned image authenticity until expert Bill Boyd identified galah grey wings and sulphur-crested cockatoo traits.
Photo Source: Lenny Burtenshaw (Facebook)
Scientific knowledge remains sparse regarding cockatoo-galah crosses, particularly concerning fertility patterns unlike mammalian hybrids.
Photo Source: Lenny Burtenshaw (Facebook)
Researcher Diana Downs seeks fallen feathers for genomic parentage analysis, advancing understanding of Australian native bird hybridization.
Photo Source: Tambako the Jaguar (CC BY-ND 2.0)
Similar hybrid specimen named Villain resides at Maleny Bird World, confirming occurrence of such genetic combinations in controlled environments.
Photo Source: Maleny Botanic Gardens (Facebook)