The cockatiel, a small parrot known for its colorful patterns and distinctive head crest, is also referred to as a quarrion or weiro. These birds are quieter than other parrots but are still capable of mimicking speech and whistling.
Due to their smaller size, cockatiels are easier to care for and tame compared to other parrot species. They are friendly birds that enjoy being petted and playing with their owners. With adequate exercise and playtime, they make low-maintenance pets. Discover more about the cockatiel.
Origin and History
Cockatiels originate from Australia, where they primarily inhabit the Outback in the northern part of the continent. First discovered in 1770, they are the smallest members of the cockatoo family and share many features and habits with the larger birds. In the wild, cockatiels live in large flocks.
During the 1900s, cockatiels gained popularity as pets due to their ease of breeding in captivity and their docile, friendly personalities, which make them well-suited for domestic life. It is no longer legal to trap and export these birds from Australia.
Temperament
Cockatiels are gentle and affectionate little birds that often enjoy being held and petted, though they may not be particularly fond of cuddling. They prefer to be close to their owners and are always happy to see them.
Cockatiels rank among the friendliest bird species. Nonetheless, an untamed cockatiel might show aggression and nip. To prevent bad habits from forming, ignore undesirable behaviors from a young age. Never scold a cockatiel, as it may become timid around humans. These birds strive to please; therefore, rewarding good behavior and ignoring the bad is effective.
Cockatiels are intelligent and capable of learning various tricks over time, such as waving, whistling, and ringing a bell. They enjoy challenges and can entertain themselves for hours by interacting with their reflection in a mirror.
Speech and Vocalizations
Cockatiels are known for their vocalizations and whistling, although they are not as loud as some other parrot species. Males are typically better at mimicking speech and whistles, but females are also skilled at mimicry. Both sexes may mimic household sounds, including alarm clocks, telephones, and even the calls of wild birds outside.
Cockatiel Colors and Markings
The wild cockatiel features a gray body, a yellow face and crest the tuft of feathers on their heads and an orange cheek patch. Males display brighter and more vivid facial colors. Females are identified by the bars on the underside of their tail feathers.
Through breeding in captivity for the pet trade, several color mutations have emerged over time. The most common variations include:
- Albino: Lack of feather pigmentation
- Lutino: White bird with a yellow mask, orange cheeks, and red eyes
- Pied: Typical wild cockatiel colors replaced with a yellow or off-white color
- Pearl, Laced, or Opaline: Spotting of various colors that creates tiny “pearls” along the feathers
- Cinnamon, Fawn, or Isabelle: Feathers are a brown or warm tan color
- Silver: Recessive silver and dominant silver cockatiel mutation; recessives have cool gray feathers and red eyes; dominants have a warmer gray tone and dark eyes Other mutations include emerald, creamface, pastelface, whiteface, and yellow cheek cockatiels.
Differences between males and females vary by coloration and can sometimes be hard to distinguish, especially in young birds. For definitive sexing, consider genetic testing.
Caring for the Cockatiel
A pair of cockatiels will provide good company for each other, but they might not bond as closely with you or mimic speech and sounds as effectively. Keeping a single bird is acceptable, but it requires significant daily interaction. If your lifestyle doesn’t allow for this, consider getting a pair to prevent loneliness.
Cockatiels are naturally messy and produce powdery dust on their feathers, which aids in grooming but can leave a powdery coating on cages and accessories. Bathe or spray your bird with water once a week, and clean the cage regularly. Many cockatiel cages have a removable bottom tray to simplify cleaning.
These birds are active and playful and need a large cage. Ensure the cage is at least 20 inches square and 26 inches tall, with bar spacing no more than 3/4 inch wide to prevent the bird from getting its head caught. Horizontal bars are preferable for climbing and exercise. The cage should also have enough space for a couple of perches at different levels, allowing the bird to move easily between them.
Clip your cockatiel’s wings and nails twice a year. While you can learn to do this yourself, incorrect clipping can be fatal due to bleeding. If you’re uncomfortable, have an avian veterinarian or breeder perform the task.
Cockatiels face several household dangers. Avoid placing the cage in drafty areas or near the kitchen, as fumes from heated Teflon cookware can be lethal.
Do not get a cockatiel if you are unwilling or unable to provide adequate mental and physical enrichment, cleanliness, care, and space.
Common Health Problems
The primary health concern for cockatiels is nutritional deficiency, often because they are fed only seeds. Including fruits, vegetables, and a pellet-based diet is crucial to prevent malnutrition, as these provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Cockatiels are also at risk for fatty liver disease, which can result from a high-energy diet rich in carbohydrates and fats, combined with limited or no exercise. To minimize this risk, ensure your bird has a varied diet and avoid exposing them to insecticides, pesticide residues on produce, and fumes from cleaning products.
Respiratory diseases and psittacosis, a serious bacterial infection causing symptoms like wheezing, sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge, are common in birds. Promptly visit an avian veterinarian at the first sign of illness to potentially save your bird’s life.
Diet and Nutrition
A varied diet is essential for any parrot, including cockatiels. While seeds are nutritious, they are also high in fat and should constitute no more than 30% of a bird’s diet. Pelleted diets are preferable as they offer nutritional balance and prevent selective eating.
It’s important to ensure a diverse intake of nutrients for your bird by offering fresh vegetables and fruits. Typically, a cockatiel consumes about 1 tablespoon of food per day, so the composition of this tablespoon is significant.
Serve a seed or pellet mix each morning in amounts your bird will consume. Cockatiels usually do not overeat. You can place the food in a bowl or scatter it on the cage floor to mimic natural foraging behaviors. Remove uneaten fresh fruits and vegetables after an hour to prevent spoiling.
If your bird favors an all-seed diet, persistently introduce a variety of foods, including moderate amounts of proteins like hard-boiled eggs, legumes, and cooked meats. Sprouted seeds can also enhance the diet’s variety. Avoid feeding avocados, chocolate, coffee, and salt, as these are toxic to birds.
Exercise
Activities are essential for maintaining a cockatiel’s happiness and health, both physically and mentally. Ensure the cage is spacious enough for flying if your bird spends most of its time enclosed. Equip the cage with a variety of toys to engage the bird’s natural play instincts. Include perches, ladders, and toys, but arrange them so they do not restrict movement within the cage.
If possible, allow your cockatiel at least an hour outside the cage daily. While not as critical as with some larger parrot species, time outside the cage aids in socialization and allows the bird to stretch its wings.
Pros
- Smaller-sized parrot
- Quieter and capable of learning to talk
- Does not require extensive outside-cage time
Cons
- May nip if not hand-raised or well-trained
- Might not be as affectionate or vocal if housed with another cockatiel
- Produces powdery dust on feathers, which can be messy
Where to Adopt or Buy a Cockatiel It’s advisable to choose a hand-fed baby or at least a young bird that has been handled regularly. The price can vary with color, ranging from $100 to $400, often higher from conscientious breeders.
Cockatiels are commonly found in pet stores; however, these birds may not have been handled much and could be older and more difficult to tame.
Select a bird that is bright, alert, and active. Avoid birds that are quiet and puffed up, as they might be ill. Check for smooth, shiny feathers that lay flat against the body, and ensure the feathers around the vent/cloaca are clean, dry, and free of feces. The feet’s scales should be smooth, the nails in good condition, and the beak should be well-shaped and smooth. Clear and clean nostrils are also a good sign.
Online rescues, adoption organizations, and breeders where you can find cockatiels include:
- Adopt a Pet
- Petfinder
- Bird Breeders
More Pet Bird Species and Further Research If you’re interested in species similar to cockatiels, consider exploring:
- Budgerigar (Parakeet)
- Lovebird
- Pacific parrotlet
For birds known for mimicry, consider researching small talking birds that might be a good fit.
FAQ
Can cockatiels talk?
While they’re more likely to mimic sounds or whistle, with patience, you can teach a cockatiel to talk.
Are cockatiels good for first-time bird owners?
Yes, cockatiels are excellent for first-time bird owners due to their friendly nature and low maintenance requirements. They are quieter than larger parrots but still engaging and playful.
