Cockatiel Parakeets

The Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) is a small, charismatic parrot native to Australia. It is one of the most popular pet birds worldwide due to its friendly nature, intelligence, and ability to mimic sounds and whistles.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: About 30–33 cm (12–13 inches) in length.
• Weight: Around 80–100 g (2.8–3.5 oz).
• Coloration: Wild cockatiels are grey with yellow heads and orange cheek patches. Captive-bred cockatiels come in various colors, including white, yellow, cinnamon, and pied.
• Crest: A distinctive feathered crest that moves based on their mood—upright when excited, flattened when scared.
• Beak: Small and curved.
• Feet: Zygodactyl, meaning they have two toes facing forward and two facing backward, which helps them grip branches and climb.

Behavior & Habitat

• Highly social, often seen in pairs or flocks.
• Found in open woodlands, grasslands, and scrublands across Australia.
• Nomadic, moving in search of food and water.
• Vocal and intelligent, capable of learning whistles and tunes.

Fun Facts

• Cockatiels are monogamous, meaning they mate for life.
• Their crest feathers help express emotions—excited birds raise their crests, while relaxed birds lay them back.
• They are closely related to cockatoos, making them the smallest member of the Cacatuidae family.