Cockatiels: Tiny Cockatoos, Coral Cheeks, The Second Most Popular Choice Of Pet Bird
We've always been charmed by the dapper looking crown and rosy coral cheeks of a Cockatiel. While it may be a fun dream to actually own a large tropical feathered friend, a few restrictions may turn some folks toward an alternative that is more appropriately sized. With the vast range of olour variations with feathered friends today, it's still exciting when you discover a species with similar features in a much tinier package— the Cockatiel is one such Bird species.
| Jack the Cockatiel on Instagram |
Don't these fellas remind you of their larger cousins, the Cockatoo?
Small Bird Species: The Cockatiel
Cockatiels were first sighted in Australia as early as the year 1770. This fun-looking species come in second place right after Budgerigars in terms of popularity as the favourite household pet. Not until further research which revealed that Cockatiels are actually a species of its own kind, they used to be regarded as the same species as Cockatoos. Being the smallest of the Cockatoo family, Cockatiels bear the same crested head that is oh-so-expressive.☺
Old Painting of Elizabeth Gould and her Cockatiel
There are many disputes as to how this specie's name came about. Cockatiels have been given a myriad of names in different regions of Australia, such as Weiroand Quarrion— In old documents and writings, Cockatiels were often referred to as “Yellow-Top Knot Parrot” and “Crested Parakeet”. Eventually in 1832, the Cockatiel gained its own classification.
Appearance Of A Cockatiel
Size — Cockatiels grow up to have an average length of 30 cm from crown to tail. However, their long tails make up half of that total, so you can do the Math— the actual body size of a Cockatiel is only 15 cm, just slightly longer than that of a Budgerigar!
Features — Two very distinctive features of a Cockatiel is none other than their expressive crested head, and Rosy orange cheeks in a circular shape. Like most breeds of Birds, females usually bear a less vibrant overall plumage.
| KevinsBirds on Instagram |
Colours — In the wild, Cockatiels have a primary plumage of Grey with White strips on both sides of their wings. Breeding has brought about a variety of colours today, like Lutino, Albino and Cinnamon.
Fun Fact #1 Love those coral shade cheeks? Cockatiels are also fondly nicknamed “Cheddar Cheeks” by enthusiasts— and we can totally understand why! J
Cockatiel Care Tips
Hygiene — Keeping your pet Cockatiel clean is easy. You may opt to use a fine-spritzer spray bottle to give your pet Cockatiel(s) a good round of cool misting. Alternatively, owners place a perch in the loo and turn on the shower at low pressure— water from the shower should not be heated. Good weather is a great opportunity to let your feathered companion(s) bask in the Sun for a bit, watch the time...you don't want heat stroke to set in!
Food — A fresh change of food and water should be provided daily, and a good diet would consist of seed mixtures for Cockatiels, and the occasional inclusion of Vegetables and Fruits. Treats such as Spray Millet is one of their favourites, most recommended for effective training ☺
View a list of safe parrot foods:
Food — A fresh change of food and water should be provided daily, and a good diet would consist of seed mixtures for Cockatiels, and the occasional inclusion of Vegetables and Fruits. Treats such as Spray Millet is one of their favourites, most recommended for effective training ☺
| Jack the Cockatiel |
Parrot Friendly Fruits And Greens: What And How To Feed Your Pet Birds
Housing — An appropriate housing for a Cockatiel should have ample space for the Bird to flap its wings, and hop or leap around, especially when this species is known to be rather flighty. The home should also be able to house perches, toys, and other accessories like food and water bowls.
Toys — Fill up their cage with toys such as mirrors, and perches made of wood, rope, and mineral blocks for hours of entertainment. Don't forget the cuttlefish bone— a great source of calcium intake and maintenance of beak and claws.
Other Pets — Cockatiels are fairly sociable creatures that require some attention daily. For working folks, it is recommended that you have them in groups or pairs— slow gradual introduction is advised for new family additions in the household.
Toys — Fill up their cage with toys such as mirrors, and perches made of wood, rope, and mineral blocks for hours of entertainment. Don't forget the cuttlefish bone— a great source of calcium intake and maintenance of beak and claws.
| Ozaokame on Twitter |
Cockatiel Personality And Behaviour
The popularity of Cockatiels as a household Pet is backed by a few reasons— most of which relates to its gentle, sweet, playful and quirky nature. Best renowned for their ability to whistle, the call of a Cockatiel is neither piercing nor unbearable in time. If you live in an apartment, this may well be a much more feasible choice of pet Bird for you as compared to a large Parrot.
| Rub-a-dub-dub! |
Fun Fact #2 How does one even begin to understand a pet Bird? Well, emotions of your Cockatiels are sometimes readable via the behaviour of its Crest head!
Standing upright — Excited, Happy, or Shocked
Flattened against head — Agitated, Wary
Hanging loose, Half — Calm, Relaxed
| via RedBubble |
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Disclaimer
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