About Cockatiels

Cockatiels are intelligent birds that make great companions.  They are the second most popular pet bird after the parakeet.  These birds are known for their orange cheeks and yellow crests sometimes also known as their caps.  Cockatiels range in different colors and variations.

Cockatiels are parrots and 1 of approximately 340 different species. Their name comes from a Dutch word "kakatielje" which means little cockatoo. DNA research (UC-Davis, 1997) shows that cockatiels really do belong to one of the cockatoo families. The scientific name for these elegant birds is Nymphicus, hollandicus, which means "Goddess of New Holland", the name of Australia during 1700s-1800s. Australia is the native homeland of cockatiels. Our pet cockatiels are bred domestically because Australia banned exportation of all native birds in 1894.

In the wild cockatiels travel in small flocks and whistle to warn the others of possible danger, food, or their locations. They build their nests in tree hollows as high as 6 feet off the ground and near a source of water. Their diet consists of fruits, berries, grains, seedlings, small insects and cultivated crops.

The average lifespan of a pet cockatiel is 15-20 years, but can be as short as 5-6. years with improper nutrition.  Cockatiels are very sociable birds and need attention each day to keep them happy.  They need to be entertained and played with.  Cockatiels also provide human entertainment, they can learn tricks and whistles.

Cockatiels make a great pet and are very entertaining.