LEARN ABOUT YOUR FLYING PETS

The scientific name of a cockatiel is Nymphicus hollandicus. Cockatiels can do alot of the same things that parrots much larger than themselves can do.

Breeders have added new dimensions to the ways they can catch your eye. Cockatiels now grace our world with many beautiful color mutations.

You can find cockatiels in an assortment of colors ranging from the normal Grey, to yellow, white, soft cocoa brown (cinnamon), pastel tan (fallow) and silver.

Cockatiels may have normal markings or be pearl, pied, totally white or be in combinations like pearl pied. They can possess yellow, orange, pale peach (as in pastelface), Grey, soft brown or white cheek patches.

They come in combinations. Examples of these combos are cinnamon pearl pied whitefaces. These are mainly white with a soft cocoa brown color in their wings and in patches on their bodies. The patches have a lacy pattern, referred to as pearl markings. The females of this mutation normally have soft brown cheek patches and the males have all white faces with no other color to their cheeks.

 The females in all of the mutations normally retain their cheek patches that are lighter than the males. In the lutino whiteface or albino males and the whiteface males, the cheek patch is missing.

Cockatiels average about 14 inches in length and weigh from around 75 grams  to well over 120 grams. If you want the larger birds, you will generally have to purchase them from a breeder.

Cockatiels have been known to live around 30 years if provided with a healthy diet. If they are given a poor diet they could not live past the age of 15 years.

Natural Habitat

Wild cockatiels are found throughout Australia away from the coastal areas.

These birds have had other names as far back as 1770, when they were reported by persons who sailed with Captain Cook. They were given the name Nymphicus in 1832. Cockatiels were brought into England and Europe during expeditions around this time period.

Most wild cockatiels are found in groups and prefer living in dead tree branches. They are found near rivers, streams and creeks and they tend to move with the availability of water. I believe they use the streams for both bathing and drinking since most cockatiels love baths.

Wild cockatiels are ground feeders and normally feed on seeds, grasses, leaves and bark (from trees, bushes, and other vegetation). Additionally, cockatiels will eat grubs and different insects.

Cockatiels as Pets

Cockatiels have come a long way from their wild counterparts. If you are looking for a pet bird who's antics can keep you in smiling then you may want to consider a cockatiel. These birds are very playful and love to do things to get your attention.

Males do a lot more whistling, talking and mimicking than the females.

Cockatiels are intelligent. Some are even able to sing entire songs. Tiels seem to be natural acrobats and clowns and just love getting laughs and any type of attention.

Cockatiels make wonderful pets for those who've never had a bird before. They are great for young and old alike. Cockatiels are very easy to tame even if they are older and have not been hand fend. I have noticed that interaction with humans comes quickly and seems to be almost natural to them. 

Cockatiels can attain about as large a vocabulary as amazons. Whether they speak or not will depend on the trainer and their patience plus ability to be persistent and consistent.

Tiels are pretty quiet birds, especially when compared to most of the larger parrots. Like other birds there is some period of the day when they are fairly vocal.

Your tiel will require time out of the cage exercise is always important. How much time depends on the bird. The more time you spend with your bird the more loving and tame it will be.

Some cockatiels have what is referred to as powder down which provides a protective coating to their feathers. It also poduces a coating on everything else in the rooms they occupyl. But it can be easily removed during your normal household dusting. Cockatiels also tend to lose a lot of small feathers which fall to the bottom of their cages and can blow alover your house.

Always exam your birds  to be sure that they are healthy. If you have any doubt bring to the vet.