Cockatiel
Nymphicus hollandicus
Visual Identification
Appearance
Cockatiels are small, slender parrots with long, pointed tails and distinctive crests. Their bodies are primarily grey, with white wing patches and yellow faces in males. Cheek patches are bright orange, contrasting with their grey beaks.
Females have duller faces with less yellow, and their tail feathers are barred underneath. Juveniles resemble females but have darker plumage and less defined markings.
Size
Length
30cm to 33cm
Wingspan
44cm to 48cm
Weight
80g to 120g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Cockatiels are native to Australia, inhabiting a wide range of arid and semi-arid regions. They prefer open woodlands, scrublands, and grasslands near water sources. Their distribution covers much of the Australian mainland, except for the coastal areas and Tasmania.
These birds are nomadic, moving in response to rainfall and food availability. They have adapted well to human-modified environments and can be found in urban parks and gardens, particularly in Australian cities.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical, Temperate
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Cockatiel. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Cockatiels demonstrate remarkable agility through their swift, direct flight capabilities and acrobatic feeding behaviour. Their ability to reach speeds of 70 km/h whilst maintaining precise control, combined with their adept manoeuvring amongst trees, showcases their exceptional aerial prowess.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst capable of cracking seeds and nuts with their beaks, cockatiels are relatively small members of the cockatoo family. Their lightweight frame (80-120g) and slender build suggests moderate strength suitable for their size and dietary needs.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
These hardy birds show impressive adaptability through their nomadic lifestyle, surviving in various climates from tropical to temperate zones. Their successful colonisation of urban environments and ability to adjust their breeding patterns according to rainfall demonstrates strong adaptive capabilities.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Cockatiels are notably social and gentle birds, typically displaying non-aggressive behaviour. Their cooperative breeding patterns and tendency to form peaceful flocks suggest a naturally mild temperament, though they may defend nesting sites when necessary.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Their nomadic lifestyle and ability to cover significant distances demonstrate good endurance. The capacity for sustained flight at high speeds, combined with their success in harsh Australian environments, indicates strong stamina, though they're not known for extremely long-distance migrations.
Diet
Cockatiels are primarily seed eaters, favouring a variety of grass seeds and grains. They also consume fruits, berries, and vegetation.
In agricultural areas, they may feed on crops, using their strong beaks to crack open seeds and nuts. They often forage on the ground or in low vegetation.
Behaviour
Cockatiels are highly social birds, often seen in small flocks or pairs. They are excellent flyers, capable of swift, direct flight with rapid wing beats.
On the ground, they walk with a waddling gait. They're known for their curious nature, often exploring their surroundings with their beaks.
Vocalisation
Cockatiels are known for their melodious whistles and chirps. Their repertoire includes a variety of soft, pleasant calls, often described as 'tweet-tweet' or 'weiro-weiro'.
Males are more vocal and can learn to mimic simple tunes and human speech, though not as extensively as some other parrot species.
Nesting & Breeding
Cockatiels form monogamous pairs and breed opportunistically, often in response to rainfall. The breeding season typically occurs between August and December in southern Australia and year-round in the north when conditions are favourable.
Nests are usually built in tree hollows, often in eucalyptus trees. The female lays 4-7 white eggs, which both parents incubate for about 18-21 days. The eggs are laid every other day, resulting in asynchronous hatching.
Chicks fledge at around 4-5 weeks old but may remain with their parents for several more weeks. Both parents participate in feeding and caring for the young.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
Cockatiels are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to their large range and stable population. However, habitat loss and the illegal pet trade pose potential threats.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting their natural habitats and regulating the captive breeding industry.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
Not quantified, but abundant in its range
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for their distinctive crest and long tail in flight
- Listen for their soft, melodious whistles
- Observe near water sources in arid regions
- Check urban parks and gardens, especially in Australia
- Watch for their acrobatic feeding behaviour in trees
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Quarrion, Weiro
Family:
CacatuidaeAverage Lifespan
10 to 14 years
Max Lifespan
35 years [3]
Predators
Main predators include birds of prey such as peregrine falcons, goshawks, and wedge-tailed eagles, as well as introduced mammals like cats and foxes.
Did You Know?
- Cockatiels are the smallest members of the cockatoo family.
- Their crest feathers can indicate their emotional state.
- In the wild, cockatiels can fly at speeds up to 70 km/h (43 mph).
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Nymphicus hollandicus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22684828A132056250.
View source - 3
journalArticle, 2000: Brouwer et al., Longevity records for Psittaciformes in captivity, Int Zoo Yb, 37:299-316
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