Different Personality Traits in Female & Male Cockatiels

Endemic to Australia, cockatiels are one of the most popular Avian pets in the world. As with other animals, male and female cockatiels behave differently and exhibit different body language and personality traits. Not only is this useful in determining of your cockatiel is behaving appropriately for its sex, it can also be handy when sexing a cockatiel of unknown sex.

  1. Female Sexual Behavior

    • When female cockatiels are ready to mate, she will tip her head forward, raise her tail and softly chirp.

    Male Sexual Behavior

    • A male will tap on his cage bars, food dishes, toys and any available surfaces to get a female's attention when he is ready to mate. He may also rub his vent against toys, perches or any other available object and quickly swish his tail if aroused or ready to mate. Males also have a tendency to bob their heads to attract female cockatiels' attention.

    Male Signs of Aggression

    • Male cockatiels will lift one leg in the air as a sign of aggression when they feel threatened. Females will occasionally also lift one leg in the air, but this behavior is primarily male.

    Female Signs of Agression

    • Females are more likely to hiss and bite than male cockatiels.

    Struts

    • Male cockatiels love to strut, lifting their wings and sticking out their chests. They will also make calling sounds as they strut to ensure they're noticed.

    Sounds

    • Males are more vocal than females. (Very few cockatiel females are vocal.) Males will whistle, mimic voices and a variety of sounds starting at approximately 6 months old. When whistling, males will also pull their wings back into a heart shape. They spend much of their day chattering and whistling to themselves or to anyone who will listen.