Cockatiel

Nymphicus hollandicus

The Cockatiel is a small Australian parrot characterized by its distinctive crest and grey and white plumage. With its affectionate temperament and remarkable intelligence, it has become one of the most popular pet birds in the world.

Least concern (LC)

IUCN Red List, most recent assessment.

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Overview Characteristics Habitat Behaviour Threats

Presentation

The species displays pearl-grey plumage with white markings on the wings and a distinctive orange patch on the cheeks. The pointed crest on the head raises when the bird is excited or alarmed. Sexual dimorphism is notable: males typically display yellow on the head, while females remain more subdued.

Characteristics

ClassAves

OrderPsittaciformes

Size30 – 33 cm

Weight90 – 160 g

Lifespan15 – 20 years

DietGranivore

DomesticationWild and domestic

Indicative values: they vary by subspecies, sex and region.

Habitat and distribution

The Cockatiel naturally inhabits steppe and semi-arid zones of Australia, grasslands, wooded savannas, and scrubby areas. It is found in open regions with scattered trees and shrubs.

Steppe

ContinentOceania

Present in TunisiaNo

CURRENT RANGE

Endemic to Australia, the Cockatiel is widely distributed throughout the continent, from the eastern coast to the arid interior regions. Its natural range extends from the coast to the inland desert.

Behaviour

This bird is highly social and affectionate, living naturally in small flocks. In captivity, it develops strong bonds with its owners and appreciates daily interaction. The Cockatiel is known for its talent in whistling and reproducing melodies, as well as for its natural vocalizations.

Reproduction

Elegant Cockatiels breed in tree cavities in the wild. In captivity, they readily nest in appropriate nest boxes. The female typically lays 4 to 6 white eggs, incubated for approximately 18 to 21 days. Chicks fledge after 4 to 5 weeks.

Peculiarities

The Cockatiel possesses a mobile crest that it can erect at will, serving as an emotional indicator. It is capable of producing a variety of distinct sounds, from melodious whistles to alarm calls. Its intelligence allows it to learn tricks and recognize familiar melodies.

Threats and conservation

Due to its Least Concern status, the Cockatiel is not facing major threats in the wild. Capture for the pet trade has minimal impact on Australian wild populations.

Numbers and trends vary across sources and regions. See the IUCN assessment for the latest reference data.