Characteristics of Male Cockatiel Birds

Cockatiels originated in the outback region of Australia, where they still live as wild birds. In the USA, their bright colorations and attitudes have made them popular pets. Although male and female cockatiels make equally good pets, males have more dramatic coloration and personalities.

  1. Coloration

    • Male cockatiels have bright orange cheeks and bright yellow faces. Females are generally more dully colored. The tail feathers of a male cockatiel are typically long, with base coats that range from dark gray to white.

    Size

    • Male cockatiels are generally the same size as females. These birds grow to an average size of 12.8 inches from nose to tail and weigh 2.8 to 4.4 ounces, depending on their breed. Bird size and weight is a strong indicator of health, as male cockatiels tend to lose weight when they're sick or stressed.

    Behavior

    • Male cockatiels are very vocal, and can sometimes mimic sounds and words. They begin to whistle and interact with people at around six months of age. They often pull their wings back when whistling to attract a mate, or tap on bars and food dishes to get attention.

    Personality

    • Cockatiels are social and gentle birds. They are easy to breed and train in captivity, and adapt easily to life with other bird species. Male cockatiels live happily as pets for up to 15 years.