Most cockatiels can be recognised by their yellow and grey-white feathers and orange patches on their cheeks. Their lively, friendly temperaments and their easily readable body language make a firm favourite among bird lovers. With their feathered crest raised and their little head tilted to the side in curiosity, it's easy to see the effect they have on people... In their portrait, the experts from speciality chain Fressnapf show what else makes these birds special.

Along with the budgerigar, the cockatiel is the most popular pet of all the parrots. Cockatiels belong to the cockatoo family, which can be recognised by their feathery crest alone. This relationship was only suspected before and led to names such as “cockatoo parakeet” or “wedge tailed cockatoo”. Nowadays the only English name is “cockatiel”, derived from “cockatoo”.

Its scientific name “Nymphicus hollandicus” points towards its origin and natural habitat - Australia, named New Holland after discovery by the Dutch. The wild cockatiels lead a nomadic existence in small to large flocks, on the Australian continent. They avoid dense forests, but can otherwise be found almost anywhere inland, sometimes even in the suburbs. They love to fly around, which is also important for keeping the bird as a pet - they need to fly freely for a long time every day.

Bird lovers should also remember that cockatiels are gregarious. These little cockatoos will be happiest in a flock or as a pair. Animals of the same gender can never be the same as a real mate and there should be the same number of male and female birds, even in a flock. But how can you be sure that the pair will get on? The best thing to do is buy an established pair of cockatiels or at least two birds of the same age. With a life expectancy of around 25 years, there are a few things you have to get right to make sure that the birds lead a healthy and happy life.

This includes suitable accommodation. Cockatiels need lots of space, which they don’t get with a small cage. A pair will need basic space measuring 150 x 70 x 100 centimetres (length x width x height). The birds like being able to be at eye level to people, which you really need to think about in the height and location of the cage. Cage furniture must be natural, for example branches from fruit or birch trees, sisal rope and wooden bridges or perches.

Wild cockatiels eat seeds, berries or cores and other plant matter that they find on the ground. As well as parakeet feed, they also love things like foxtail millet that they can nibble on. All in all, the little cockatoos are adaptable; they only thing they can’t do is talk.


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Pictures from this article:

Cheeky chappy Bright and good natured, cockatiels are among the most popular parrots in Germany. Photo: Fressnapf/Ulrike Schanz (Photos may only be reproduced with permission and in connection with editorial text. High-resolution photos can be requested from the Fressnapf press office.)