Introduction to Cockatiels

If you are looking for a small parrot that will not cost a great deal of money, yet is a captivating, charming and loveable companion, the Cockatiel is a great choice.

Native to Australia, flocks of hundreds of birds fly wild in most of the inner regions. They are no longer exported, so you will be sure you are purchasing a bird bred in the United States or your country of residence.

The Cockatiel is a relatively quiet bird, with a soft chirping voice and beautiful mating song in the males. Some can be taught to speak and sing simple tunes, though their voice is not as clear as the larger parrots. Cockatiels love to be handled and stroked. If hand-fed as chicks, they are gentle and affectionate to the degree that they will make a delightful pet and companion. Even aviary-bred adults can be tamed with patience and gentleness.

The Cockatiel is available in a wide range of colors.

• Normal Grey-Various shades of grey with orange cheek patches and some white on the wings. The males have yellow and white heads and crests. Females tend to have grey heads with orange cheek patches.
• Lutino-All white, some with a yellow wash. All have orange cheek patches. Beaks and feet are horn colored and they have dark red eyes. In a mature bird the male will be all white on the underside of his wings and tail. The female will have faint yellow barring.
• Pied-Mottled with spots. Heavy pied has more white. Light pied has more grey. The male and female look quite similar.
• Pearl-The ends of almost all the feathers are scalloped in white or yellow. Males will lose some or all of the scalloping after the first molt and resemble a normal grey coloration.
• Cinnamon-Light silver grey with lighter facial areas.
• Fallow-Same as cinnamon but with red eyes.
• Whiteface-Orange patches are absent. Charcoal color with white wing patches, since the yellow pigment is absent. The males will have an all white face when mature.
• Whiteface Lutino-(sometimes called Albino’s)-All white with red eyes.

Selecting a Cockatiel

Selecting a cockatiel, as any pet, should be done with care. There are some questions you should ask yourself before committing to what may be a 20 year relationship.

• Do I have time to spend with it? If not, will it have a companion bird and many interesting toys to stimulate and occupy it while I am away? Cockatiels are social creatures and need frequent interaction.
• Can it be let out of its cage to exercise? Birds need time out of their cage to exercise their wings as well as their curiosity and personality. Will your bird be safe and supervised out of its cage? What about other pets and house-proofing dangerous areas?
• Can the cage be located in an area of the home that is safe and in the family activity center?
• Do I want a talking bird? Most Cockatiels do not talk, or only say a few words. If a talking bird is what you are looking for, the cockatiel is not a good choice.
• Can I provide a suitable cage, stimulating toys, good nutrition and regular medical attention?

When purchasing a bird as a pet, consideration should be given to buying a young bird. It is best to purchase a bird at least 8 weeks old so as to be certain it has learned to eat independently. Look for the bird that selects you. This will be a bright-eyed, socialized bird that comes to you readily and wants to “step-up” and sit on your shoulder or have you stroke its head.

If you want to purchase a bird for show or breeding, it is wise to get one after the first molt, which occurs at 5 or 6 months of age. That way you can get a better idea of sex, color and quality. You can be certain of age if the bird has a closed metal leg band with the year of birth and national club affiliation (See National Cockatiel Society and American Cockatiel Society.)

Buying from a member of one of the above societies insures that the breeder is committed to breeding, raising and selling a sound, healthy bird.

The delightful cockatiel is one of the easiest parrots to care for and will be a fine, affectionate companion for many years.

Susan Hahn

Cockatiel Foundation

American Cockatiel Society

National Cockatiel Society

North American Cockatiel Organization

Tiel Chatter Email Chat Group