Cockatiel Bird Facts

Cockatiels are birds that hail from the scrub lands and forests of the Australian outback. Their friendly personalities and various bright colors have made them popular pets. Male and female cockatiels have different characteristics and can make valuable additions to the home.

  1. Personalities

    • Cockatiels are friendly and affectionate to their families. Males commonly learn to whistle at around six months, and are able to mimic noises and words. Females are generally more quiet. Cockatiels can live for up to 15 to 20 years if they're well cared for.

    Colorations

    • Standard cockatiels are light to dark gray, with bright orange cheek spots and yellow faces. Males are more brightly colored than females. All cockatiels have erectible crests, or a set of feathers on their heads that stand when they're excited or communicating. These crests are generally yellow as well.

    Sizes

    • Cockatiels generally grow to 12.8 inches from the tip of their beak to the end of their tails. Standard cockatiels weigh 2.8 to 4.4 ounces. Birds that are unhealthy or malnourished do not grow to full sizes. Cockatiels have very long tail feathers that sometimes make up half the length of their body.

    Diet

    • Cockatiels should be fed high-quality bird food. Organic dry mixes are recommended. These foods should include dried fruits, vegetables, herbs, greens, nuts and added vitamins and superfoods like bee pollen. Bird food can be supplemented with legumes, seeds and nuts. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also beneficial.

    Types

    • According to Avian Web, "Pet cockatiels have been bred to have many different color patterns." Although the hybrid cockatiels were long rumored to be less intelligent than the standard varieties, these different types have now been established and are balanced in their mental abilities. Each type has specific personality traits. Colorations include lucitano, pearl, cinnamon, pied, silver and whiteface. These colorations can also be combined in variations like lucitano pearl and whiteface pied.