Cockatiels
Tiels - the most common companion parrot

Cockatiels are known as Quarrion in Australia. Cockatiels are like small versions of Cockatoos, and they share many similar characteristics, i.e., the crest, nesting, and breeding characteristics. They also react the same way when they are threatened or scared. Other than size, the other difference is their attitude. Cockatiels are much more adaptable to change and domestic living arrangements. They are much quieter than the Cockatoos. The Cockatiel is considered to be a hardy bird.

It is very easy to tell a Cockatiels mood by its crest. If it is agitated, scared, or mad, it will raise its crest. When the Cockatiel is calm, its crest will be relaxed and the tips may be pointed up. Cockatiels will also hiss when they feel threatened.

Cockatiels are one of the most popular companion parrots available. They are well known for their imitations of sounds in the home and their whistling abilities. Some Cockatiels do talk. It is generally the males that talk and whistle. Most females are not known to talk.

There are many color varieties, the most common are:

Grey

The body is primarily grey. There is yellow on the cheeks, head, and crest. A white band is on the wings.

Pearl

Like the pied except the markings on the feathers will be white. There is usually a distinct pattern to the markings.

Pied

The basic color of the body is grey, and has yellow markings on the feathers. There maybe a few white markings or feathers. The tail feathers will be mostly yellow. The head will usually be grey with orange cheeks, and a yellow throat.

Cinnamon

The feathers will be brown instead of grey. The feathers will range from a light brown to a dark brown.

Lutino

The body is white or a pale yellow. They will have the usual orange cheeks. Their head and crest will be yellow. Their eyes are pink or red. The Lutino needs to be dna or surgically sexed because they are Monomorphic. Their beaks, and toe nails are light.

Silver or Fallow

The body is silver color. They usually have a yellow crest. They will have pink or red eyes. Their beaks and toe nails are light.

White Face

As the name implies, they have a white face instead of yellow. They have a grey body and a white band is on the wings

With the exception of the Lutinos, and what are known as Albinos, you can easily sex the birds by the colors on their faces. The female’s faces and cheek patches will not be as bright as the males. Males lose most or all of the pearl colors after their first molt, however, females do not. All juvenile and adult female Cockatiels have a barred or dotted underside on their tail feathers. Generally an adult male Cockatiel has a solid color on the underside of their tail feathers. You can also check the primary and secondary flight feathers; all juvenile and adult females will have a row of cream, white, or yellow spots on these feathers. It is unusual to find these spots on adult male Cockatiels.

Some Cockatiels suffer from night frights. The exact reason this occurs is not known. Night frights result in a bird thrashing/flying around their cage wildly. It is thought it is caused because they have become frightened by something. We have found that a night light is helpful in stopping night frights. Some people think that covering their cage can also help. We have had much more success with a night light.

Cockatiels are known for their feather dust. This is also referred to as feather down. A daily misting helps with feather dust, but does not stop it. Feather dust is distributed during preening. If you suffer from allergies, you need to consider another bird that does not have feather dust, such as a Conure.

A frightened Cockatiel will fly instead of fighting/biting when possible. Cockatiels are strong fliers. Someone once described them as having a bullet like body. Cockatiels fly thru the air like a bullet. Generally I am an advocate for no clipping or a light clip that still allows flight, except for Cockatiels. Having lost a bird that would come to me anytime he was called when he darted out a door that was open momentarily, and another that was startled and flew into a window and died instantly, I keep my Cockatiels wings clipped.

We allow the babies to learn how to fly before any clipping is done. I feel this gives them better balance, and teaches them to land when they glide down from a cage, perch, or play stand. Many people agree that allowing a bird to learn how to fly before clipping is better for their confidence level. It is a personal decision, and is one you will have to make for yourself. Their are pros and cons to both sides of this issue. Just remember, once you take a baby home it is your baby and you are the one who makes the decisions. Do your research and decide which option is better for you and your bird.