Zoological Education Network
What to expect from your Cockatiel
Cockatiels are relatively quiet, nondestructive, entertaining birds that are easy to care for. Because they are considered so gentle, they are excellent as companion birds for children. Even though they do not tend to bond with an individual person, they retain better companion bird qualities as a single bird rather than as a pair. However, several cockatiels may be successfully maintained in a single household with patience and attention to each individual. Cockatiels are limited talkers (males may be better), but some individuals are so good at whistling that their tunes are recognizable.
Vital statistics
- Body length: 12.5 inches (32 cm)
- Body weight: 75-100 grams
- Age of sexual maturity: 6-12 months
- Average life span in captivity: 10 years (max 32)
Is your Cockatiel a male or a female?
Immature grey cockatiels have yellow stripes under the primary wing feathers. A male loses these stripes around 9 months of age. Head and facial markings are brighter on males. Color mutations (lutino, pied, pearl) may not exhibit the same gender differences in feather pattern. Vocalization is the earliest means of sexing cockatiels — the male has a melodious call; females have more of a monotonous chirp. Cockatiels are prolific year-round breeders. Their offspring are easy to hand-raise but are reluctant to wean.
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