Gender Difference in Cockatiels

The cockatiel is native to Australia and the second most popular pet bird, next to the parakeet. Cockatiels are generally easy to care for, social and intelligent. Typically they live between 12 to 15 years. The gender differences between male and female cockatiels is displayed in their facial markings and expressed in their behavior. Some male birds will bond more with their female owners, whereas females will often become attached to a male member of the family.

  1. Visual Differences

    • Young cockatiels generally look identical. Their adult markings are revealed after their first molt, which is between 6 and 9 months of age. The male's tail feathers will turn to a solid gray, while the female will keep the stripes under the tail. Male cockatiels have yellow heads and brightly colored faces that include an orange patch on the cheek. The male's body is a dark gray and has a plume on top of the head. The female cockatiel's face has a hint of faint yellow, and a head and body that is a dull gray with a brown tint.

    Male Cockatiel Behavior

    • The male cockatiel will begin to exhibit male-specific behaviors at approximately 4 months, which will include singing and whistling. The male is social, outgoing and adventurous. The male is highly vocal and can be taught to whistle to songs; it is more likely to talk than the female, and is better at imitating words. The male cockatiel is self-aware and an entertainer; it will lift its wings, puff its chest, and strut back and forth in front of a mirror. It may tap its beak on objects, hold its wings apart and hop while tilting its head.

    Female Cockatiel Behavior

    • Female cockatiels are typically quiet and emit a single-pitched whistle or screech. Songs will have varying tones and whistles, but are not at as diverse as the males'. Females usually don't talk, although there are exceptions. While the female cockatiel is more docile and affectionate, it is less social overall, and more likely to hiss and bite. Provide an appropriate nesting area if your hen is laying eggs. It will need to incubate them, undisturbed, for approximately three weeks. Some females become uncharacteristically aggressive and try to bite when protecting a nest.

    Considerations

    • Consider your living situation before deciding if a male or female cockatiel is the best fit for you. If you live in an apartment or have neighbors in close proximity, a male cockatiel may not be the best choice, since they tend to be loud and vocal. Cockatiels become sexually mature between 6 and 9 months, however, do not breed them until the male and female are 18 months old, so that you do not compromise the female's health.